Guildhouse launches new 'Catapult' artist mentorships

Spaced over three years, the new Catapult scheme is structured around one $10,000 mentorship aimed at established or mid-career artists, and a further eight places offering $5,000 to emerging creators. The program aims to help local artists strike formative relationships with their chosen mentor over six to eight months, with funding from the Ian Potter Foundation, Country Arts SA, and the Excellence in Business Fund.

Catapult builds on the successes and lessons of Guidlhouse’s previous mentorship program LimberUP, which had been successfully pairing artists at different stages of their careers since 2015. This year’s LimberUP mentorship recipients have included glass artist Naomi Hunter, who travelled to Canberra to spend time with third generation glass blower Peter Minson, and sound designer Sasha Grbich who was paired with artist Christopher Williams (pictured).

To help inform her work exploring bees and pollination, artist Rebecca McEwan’s mentorship saw her matched with State Herbarium chief botanist, Professor Michelle Waycott. “Whilst achieving all my intended goals I also gained significant experiences that I had not foreseen” McEwan says of the experience.

Guildhouse are currently accepting expressions of interest, with applications closing Friday, September 14.

For more information and to apply head to guildhouse.org.au

Main image: Geoff Mitchell (right) with mentor Stephen Bowers

Photographer: Aise Dillon