The Visual Arts Nova Scotia (VANS) Mentorship Program pairs emerging artists with established artists to take part in a 10-month mentorship. The program is designed to support the individual artistic methods and professional ambitions of emerging artists in Nova Scotia by providing access to the skills and experience of selected mentors.

VANS is delighted to officially announce that the 2012-13 VANS Mentorship Program participants are emerging artists: Christine Waugh, Wes Johnston, and Judy Arsenault. Apprentices have been individually paired with established artists and mentors: Steve Higgins, Ilan Sandler, and Janice Leonard. The program will commence in October with an orientation to the peer mentorship process, and concludes with an exhibition in July 2013.

Nova Scotian artists are selected by a peer assessment committee based on individual proposals and program criteria; emerging artists are evaluated on their dedication to their art practice, their independent studio practice outside of formal training environments, and their ability and willingness to engage in critical discussion about their practice. Based upon the selected apprentices, the committee solicits interest from qualified mentors who possess the skills to facilitate the development of the emerging artist’s practice.

Taking inspiration from other professional intermediary training such as articling and apprenticeships, the VANS Mentorship Program provides an exceptional opportunity for emerging artists to develop both their creative process and professional skills, thus building the foundation for a successful career in the visual arts. As a secondary outcome, the program offers established artists an opportunity to pass on their experience, resources, knowledge, and insight.

By investing intensely in a few emerging artists each year for the last 6 years, the VANS Mentorship Program contributes to the overall strength, sustainability and vibrancy of the visual arts community in Nova Scotia.

For additional information about the VANS Mentorship Program, including participating artists profiles please visit https://www.visualarts.ns.ca/programs/mentorship-program.

For more information on the VANS Mentorship Program or VANS, in general, please contact:

Becky Welter-Nolan
Program Coordinator
Visual Arts Nova Scotia
1113 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS   B3K 1R1
(902) 423-4694   f: (902) 422-0881
communicate@visualarts.ns.ca