In the first year of the programme, the artists receive individual support from two experts from the fields of production and performing arts. These mentors have at least 10 years of professional experience and can usually cover both areas (administrative and artistic), depending on their expertise and background. Sharing of knowledge and experience takes place both between the supported projects and the mentors as well as between the mentors.
“As an artistic mentor, I learn a lot from this process. It reflects back to my own artistic process. And it gives distance and allows me to see my own challenges in a new light.”
Liz Williams - Mentor for the collective Less Kuerdas
In addition to the elements and measures defined in the programme, which apply to all projects, such as presentations and feedback formats, the mentors provide personal and tailored support to the projects. The mentoring duos serve as the preferred contacts for production questions and the artistic outside perspective.
“During the creation process, building a relationship of trust with our mentors […] has been very important. Having two experienced professionals by our side who believe in us and in our project gives us the impetus and support we need to move forward with our first creation. We are full of energy and enthusiasm, but we also have doubts and fears.”
Less Kuerdas, 5th edition project
Depending on needs, the mentoring focuses on the steps required to realize an idea, the production process in creation and the professionalization of the artistic position, including professional profile. The mentors help the projects to develop and refine their own style and to develop the appropriate vocabulary for their artistic work. They help the projects make decisions about residencies, presentations and the use of financial resources in order to get the most out of the creation programme.
“Most importantly, I look for what they need and help them find what they are wanting from their own work. I do this by asking questions, proposing research actions and encouraging them to have the courage to dive into unknown and uncomfortable territories, regardless if it ends up on stage or not. Every experiment, every part of the process, informs their end work.”
Liz Williams, Mentor for the collective Less Kuerdas
The topics addressed during mentoring vary as much as the experience and expertise of the mentors: Public presentation, communication (incl. dossier, internet presence, tech, green and access rider), marketing the show, taxes, legal structure, negotiation, funding, ... The same goes for the artistic side:
“So far, mentors have supported me by listening to my ideas and helping me find solutions, such as light creation or scene development.”
Diana Salles, 5th edition project
Personal topics about circumstances and life as an artist also find a place:
“I encourage and answer all my mentees questions with complete transparency. Our discussions have not only been specifically about the work, but also discussions around how it is to be a female artist in today’s society. How can we deal with insecurities, inside the studio, on stage, and in the world.”
Liz Williams, Mentor for the collective Less Kuerdas
Examples of questions that (have) come up during the development of this element:
What is the role of a mentor?
What is the mentor's task?
Which production topics should be covered?
Should workshops be offered for production topics?
What are the criteria for selecting mentors?
How does the matching of mentees and mentors work?
How should the mentoring programme be designed so that it does not overburden the projects?
