Mentorship can provide an opportunity to connect with experts in the arts sector, while also developing your skills and knowledge. The Creative Spaces Mentoring Network (CSMN) is a 7 month program for artists, arts managers, and community members responsible for creative spaces in Ontario. The program provides a platform for arts leaders to grow their management skills to oversee, renew and develop creative spaces through one-on-one mentorship.
Creative spaces can include:
- museums
- art galleries
- studio spaces
- art centers
- maker spaces
- market spaces
- arts institutions
… in short, spaces that support the arts!
About the program
Through the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network, leaders in Ontario’s arts community who are responsible for their spaces, capital-related issues, or are seeking to acquire or establish physical/digital creative space will have the unique opportunity of virtual one-to-one learning with an experienced professional in the Ontario arts sector. ABO encourages interested arts leaders who are engaged at any level of creative space development to apply!
By joining the CSMN 2025 cohort, you will have the opportunity to engage and share resources with like-minded peers.
How it works
ArtsBuild Ontario will match arts and cultural leaders across Ontario with Mentors with relevant experience. After an initial training webinar, the mentoring teams will meet online for a suggested time of two to three hours monthly from April 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025. The mentoring team discussions are confidential and will focus on particular challenges and skills identified by the Mentee at the beginning of the partnership. All teams will take part in three webinars.
Webinars
The three webinars in the program include a Kick-Off Webinar, a Mid-Program Webinar, and a Wrap Up Webinar where you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow Mentees and Mentors, network, and share knowledge.
Program timeline
| Deadline for Mentee and Mentor Applications | Friday, January 31st, 2025 |
| Mentee Application Selection | February 2025 |
| Program Begins and First Training Webinar | Tuesday April 1st, 2025 |
| Mid Point Webinar | Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 |
| Wrap-Up Webinar | Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 |
| Program Wrap | Friday, October 31st, 2025 |
Call for Mentees
Interested in applying for the 2025 program? We are now accepting applications for 15 mentee spots!
How to apply:
- Complete the Application Form .
- Record a 1-2 minute video telling us: about you and your organization, your facilities plans and/or projects, and how this opportunity would benefit you. You can record your video using a smartphone or web camera, and upload via YouTube (privately), Dropbox, Google Drive etc. Please send a link via email to the video hosted on your platform of choice.
- Submit your application online, send the video link, and email the letter of support to Eva Hellreich, Program Manager at programs@artsbuildontario.ca by January 31, 2025.
- If you are selected by ArtsBuild Ontario, we will work diligently to match you with a suitable Mentor based on the skills outlined in your application. We will contact applicants to arrange meetings with prospective Mentors in March 2025 when the Mentor-Mentee matching process is underway. Alternatively, you are welcome to apply with a specific mentor in mind already.
- After you’re accepted, you will be asked to provide a letter of support for your Mentee application (eg. from someone you work or volunteer with in your community).
Fee
If you are selected as a Mentee, there is a $175 + HST fee. ABO will invoice Mentees once a successful match is made.
Call for Mentors
We are currently seeking Mentors for current and future iterations of the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network! If you have been part of a capital project, strategic plan, or have knowledge to share in relation to cultural facilities, the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network is an opportunity for you to support fellow arts managers and foster strong arts and heritage sectors.
Please note that this Mentor role will be voluntary. If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, please complete this Mentor Application Form by Friday, January 31st, 2025.
For more information about the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network, please contact Eva Hellreich, Program Manager at evahellreich@artsbuildontario.ca.
