Applications sought for First Nations arts writing mentorships

After a successful first round, InReview is launching a second iteration of its First Nations Mentorship program – a ground-breaking initiative that connects experienced First Nations arts writers with emerging voices.

Offered in partnership with Arts South Australia, the program this year supported emerging writers Leesha Cole and Kyron Weetra. The pair authored a series of reviews and articles for InReview under the mentorship of Nancia Guivarra and Troy-Anthony Baylis respectively.

Applications are now being sought for a new round of the program, which will see two new First Nations mentees develop their arts writing and criticism skills while building a portfolio of professional, published work.

Each mentorship is a paid opportunity that takes place over 10 weeks, during which mentees will spend up to eight hours a week working with their mentors to write at least five reviews and articles while learning the skills of arts criticism.

Applications for the next round of the program open today, with the mentorships slated to commence in February 2024.

Inaugural mentees Weetra and Cole say the program has been important in building both their confidence and their writing practices.

“InReview has helped in so many ways,” says Cole. “They pushed, supported and led me to better myself and my craft. I am so grateful to have been a part of their mentorship and am excited to see what the new mentees will release.”

“I had always had an interest in news media,” says Weetra, “ranging from live news to music reviews to satire, but had never had the opportunity to be a part of a professional structure and output within the journalism industry.

“To be given the opportunity to have a review published has always been a bit of a dream of mine and to be given that, along with all the tools and support needed to succeed, I am forever grateful for.”

Solstice Media editorial director David Washington says creating opportunities for First Nations arts writers is an essential step in building a strong and rigorous arts journalism culture.

“We recognise the importance of First Nations perspectives in arts criticism, and how important this is in our aim to rebuild the practice of professional critique of all kinds of South Australian arts, including performing arts, visual art, literature, and more,” he said.

Applications are welcomed from emerging First Nations creatives with an interest in arts writing who are based in South Australia.

KEY DATES

Friday, December 8, 2023: Applications open

Friday, January 12, 2024: Applications close

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview

Friday, January 19, 2024: Successful mentees announced

February 2024: 10-week mentorship commences for two selected mentees

For more information go here, or contact Farrin Foster, Mentorship Coordinator at InReview on 0439 420 345 or farrin@inreview.com.au

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<h1>Applications sought for First Nations arts writing mentorships</h1>

Emerging First Nations artists and writers are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to build their writing practice with support from an experienced mentor.

							
							After a successful first round, InReview is launching a second iteration of its First Nations Mentorship program – a ground-breaking initiative that connects experienced First Nations arts writers with emerging voices.
Offered in partnership with Arts South Australia, the program this year supported emerging writers Leesha Cole and Kyron Weetra. The pair authored a series of reviews and articles for InReview under the mentorship of Nancia Guivarra and Troy-Anthony Baylis respectively.
Applications are now being sought for a new round of the program, which will see two new First Nations mentees develop their arts writing and criticism skills while building a portfolio of professional, published work.
Each mentorship is a paid opportunity that takes place over 10 weeks, during which mentees will spend up to eight hours a week working with their mentors to write at least five reviews and articles while learning the skills of arts criticism.
Applications for the next round of the program open today, with the mentorships slated to commence in February 2024.
Inaugural mentees Weetra and Cole say the program has been important in building both their confidence and their writing practices.
“InReview has helped in so many ways,” says Cole. “They pushed, supported and led me to better myself and my craft. I am so grateful to have been a part of their mentorship and am excited to see what the new mentees will release.”
“I had always had an interest in news media,” says Weetra, “ranging from live news to music reviews to satire, but had never had the opportunity to be a part of a professional structure and output within the journalism industry. 
“To be given the opportunity to have a review published has always been a bit of a dream of mine and to be given that, along with all the tools and support needed to succeed, I am forever grateful for.”
Solstice Media editorial director David Washington says creating opportunities for First Nations arts writers is an essential step in building a strong and rigorous arts journalism culture.
“We recognise the importance of First Nations perspectives in arts criticism, and how important this is in our aim to rebuild the practice of professional critique of all kinds of South Australian arts, including performing arts, visual art, literature, and more,” he said.
Applications are welcomed from emerging First Nations creatives with an interest in arts writing who are based in South Australia.
KEY DATES
Friday, December 8, 2023: Applications open
Friday, January 12, 2024: Applications close
Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview
Friday, January 19, 2024: Successful mentees announced
February 2024: 10-week mentorship commences for two selected mentees
For more information go <a href="https://solsticemedia.com.au/products/inreview/inreview-first-nations-mentorship-opportunity/">here</a>, or contact Farrin Foster, Mentorship Coordinator at InReview on 0439 420 345 or <a href="mailto:farrin@inreview.com.au">farrin@inreview.com.au</a>

This article is republished from <a href="https://inreview.com.au" target=_blank rel="canonical">InReview</a> under a Creative Commons licence. Read the <a href="https://inreview.com.au/inreview/2023/12/08/applications-sought-for-first-nations-arts-writing-mentorships/" target=_blank rel="canonical">original article</a>.
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