RELATE Mentorship Program
RELATE invites cultural practitioners, artists, and educators in the visual, performing, and literary arts to apply for the role of a Mentor in our Mentorship Program. As a Mentor, you will guide, collaborate with, and advocate for emerging artists from migrant backgrounds in Cyprus, enabling them to shape their artistic vision while supporting their integration into the Cypriot cultural ecosystem.
Supported by the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Union, RELATE is a 2-year project committed to cultivating meaningful connections within Cyprus' creative and cultural landscape. Through artistic residencies, the mentorship program, and a series of exhibitions, the project aims to reshape narratives, foster inclusion and a deeper appreciation of the invaluable contributions of diverse communities to the creative and cultural sector.
The RELATE Mentorship Program will run from December 2024 to February 2026, both online and in person. Each Mentor will guide 2 emerging artists working in a similar artistic discipline. Mentors will offer feedback on the creation of original artworks, provide advice on professional challenges, and facilitate network development. The program aspires to build strong mentor-mentee relationships and create a support system that endures beyond the program’s conclusion.
Mentors have to be based in Cyprus, proficient in English, and available to participate throughout the project.
RELATE Mentorship Program Structure:
- December 2024 I Induction Workshop: The workshop is designed to help Mentors gain a deeper understanding of the lived realities of migrant and refugee artists in Cyprus and build the foundation for meaningful guidance.
- December 2024 I Mentorship Plan Development: Co-creation of a tailored mentorship plan outlining goals and aspirations for the program's duration.
- January 2025 - February 2026 I Mentorship Meetings: Over 13 months, mentors will conduct 9 one-on-one semi-structured sessions, each lasting 1-1.5 hours.
- December 2025 I Exhibition of Work: As the mentees present their original artworks created during the program, your presence will be essential in celebrating their achievements and reflecting on their artistic growth.
- February 2026 I Final Conference Participation: Mentors will participate in the RELATE closing conference and contribute to discussions related to their experience with the Mentorship Program.
- February 2026 I Reporting: At the conclusion of the program, Mentors will submit a one-page report summarizing mentee progress, achievements, and recommendations for future development.
Compensation
Mentors will receive a fee of 1,000 EUR for their participation.
The engagement of Mentors in the Program is estimated to be 40 hours in total.
Application Deadline: November 12th, 2024
How to Apply:
Fill out and submit the EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM-- CLICK HERE by November 12th, 2024.
For informal inquiries, please contact Melina Philippou at melina@visual-voices.org.
RELATE is a project by
Visual Voices (VV), a non-profit organization based in Nicosia, Cyprus, dedicated to visual arts and community peacebuilding both locally and internationally. Their programs are designed for young artists interested in socially engaged artistic practices. They focus on artist residencies, non-commercial platforms, and community partnerships to foster dialogue and new perspectives on social challenges. Mentors will engage directly with VV throughout the Mentorship Program.
Generation for Change CY (GFC), a migrant-led grassroots non-profit in Cyprus striving for a diverse and inclusive society. They focus on migration, asylum, and integration, providing material assistance, empowerment programs, and psychosocial support to refugees, migrants, and marginalized groups, while also conducting awareness-raising and advocacy actions.
agency of artists in exile (aa-e), a Paris-based organization with an outreach office in Marseille, dedicated to supporting artists in exile of all origins and disciplines. They provide workspaces, counseling, and connections to professional networks, and offer various programs including language courses, training, and workshops, culminating in the annual Visions of Exile festival to showcase their members' work and raise public awareness on exile.
