Continuing a-n’s 2019 programme of professional development opportunities for members, two bursaries have just launched offering one-to-one support for artists either through a series of coaching sessions, or through mentoring with our visual arts mentors. Both opportunities are open for applications until 12 noon, Thursday 12 September 2019.
The a-n Coaching programme offers 3 x 1 hour fully subsidised coaching sessions with an accredited coach. Since 2016, a-n has trained 20 Artist and Arts Organiser members as coaches through our Visual Arts Coaching Course in partnership with RD1st. We are now working with these coaches to offer the benefits of coaching to the wider a-n membership.
Coaching sessions are offered remotely, with contact by either phone or video call, making sessions flexible and accessible. The sessions will be undertaken over 3-6 months.
Alongside this, a-n is also offering a one-year Mentoring programme, with sessions also offered remotely and with contact either by phone or video call. Each of the 4 sessions will last 1 hour and will be undertaken over 1 year from November 2019.
The deadline for applications to both courses is 12 noon, Thursday 12 September 2019. Not yet an a-n member? Find out more about the benefits and Join a-n today.
Coaching or Mentoring: which is right for you?
Mentoring and coaching are sometimes discussed as though they are interchangeable, but this isn’t the case. Coaching provides a safe, confidential, developmental space within which to explore specific issues (either known or as they arise), aspirations and challenges. Coaching concentrates on ‘where we are now and what we are willing to do to get to where we want to be in the future’. This process is supported by the coach’s interventions, support and application of the coaching process.
Meanwhile, mentoring is a supportive, long-term relationship between two people – an experienced ‘mentor’ and less experienced ‘mentee’. A mentor takes an advisory role to support an artist in developing their professional career, with a longer-term view in developing and articulating future goals.
For more information on the benefits to artists of coaching and mentoring, and to find out about the differences between these two approaches to interaction and personal, professional development, read a-n’s guide Coaching or Mentoring: which is right for you?
Apply for a-n Coaching 2019 bursary – Deadline 12 noon, Thursday 12 September 2019.
Apply for a-n Mentoring 2019 bursary – Deadline 12 noon, Thursday 12 September 2019.
More on a-n.co.uk:
15 artists appointed to a-n Artists Council
a-n Writer Development Programme 2019-20: open for applications
