Image: Catapult + Tarnanthi Mentor Kirsten Coelho with Mentee Christina Gollan in the JamFactory studios. Photograph Saul Steed.
Guildhouse is proud to offer the fourth iteration of Catapult + Tarnanthi, a career development mentorship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, craftspeople and designers based in South Australia.
Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art is held every two years at the Art Gallery of South Australia, and across the state. It is a platform that provides opportunities to artists from across the country to extend their practice and share important stories through artistic excellence.
In partnership with Tarnanthi, this mentorship program provides a funded opportunity for an artist to work with a mentor of their choice. This year’s opportunity does not include an exhibition outcome for the work created. Instead, we encourage the selected artist to engage in self-reflection, research and experimentation, without the pressure of having to create new work for exhibition.
The artist will have approximately 10 months for the mentorship – to connect with their chosen mentor, explore their goals for the mentorship, and then experiment with materials and ideas in their creative practice. Across this period, ongoing exchanges with the mentor will enable the continual development of ideas.
The funded mentorship provides $6,000 in Artist Fees (to be shared between the mentor and mentee) and $2,000 that can be used towards materials, hiring space/equipment and travel and accommodation. Please note there is no designated formal presentation for any new works made, though we encourage the development of new work if that is the artist’s goal.
The program aims to enrich the artist’s professional and creative development through dedicated time spent with an aspirational mentor. Both Guildhouse and Tarnanthi teams are available to provide advice and guidance upon application, alongside ongoing professional development support throughout the mentorship.
There will be an opportunity to present an artist talk/discussion about your experience during the Tarnanthi Festival at the Art Gallery of South Australia. This can be presented together with the mentee and mentor, if suitable to both parties.
Closing Wednesday 4 December, 10am.
The Catapult + Tarnanthi program is presented in partnership with the Art Gallery of South Australia. Tarnanthi is presented by the Art Gallery of South Australia with Principal Partner BHP and support from the Government of South Australia.
Application Development and Submission
Applications can take the form of notes following an in-person studio visit (where possible), a formal written application, or a short verbal application via video or phone call; Guildhouse is open to working with the applicant to develop an accessible application process.
To develop and/or submit an application, please contact Guildhouse Artistic Programs Manager, Samantha Faehrmann on 08 8410 1822 or Samantha.faehrmann@guildhouse.org.au
Applications are due Wednesday 4 December 2024, 10am.
Application Criteria
- A confirmed mentor (located within Australia)
- Single page Project Proposal, outlining what you stand to gain and the key goals of the mentorship
- Project Timeline
- Budget
- 200 word biography each, for mentor and mentee
- Single page CV, for the mentee
- Up to 5 images
- One referee
Resources
- Read FAQ’s here.
- Read How to develop an application
Eligibility
- The mentee is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist working in visual art, craft or design.
- The mentee resides in South Australia at the time of application and for the duration of the mentorship. The mentee is not undertaking Tertiary Studies at the time of application and/or the duration of the mentorship.
- The mentee has not been a previous recipient of a Catapult + Tarnanthi mentorship program. Please note the mentee is still eligible to apply for this opportunity if they have received other Guildhouse opportunities unrelated to Tarnanthi. The mentor may or may not be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist.
- The mentor may reside anywhere in Australia.
Selection Process
The selection panel will include a Guildhouse representative and members of the Tarnanthi team.
Project Reporting
The mentor and the mentee will provide Guildhouse with a progress report halfway through the project, and again at the end of the project with a final report. Reporting documents will include an overview of activities, key goal indicators achieved, visual documentation of new works/activities and receipts/invoices.
Key Dates
- Call out closes Wednesday 4 December 2024, 10am.
- You will be notified in December 2024 about the outcome of your application.
- The Catapult + Tarnanthi Mentorship must be completed by October 2025.
