About the Program
Shared Practice, Regional Artist Development Program is an 18-month program for emerging and mid-career visual artists living on the Mid North Coast. This initiative is designed to empower artists by providing essential skills, resources, and mentorship to advance their careers.
The program will support artists through targeted workshops, one-on-one mentoring, networking opportunities, and practical experience to foster artistic and professional growth.
Participating mentees will be selected through an Expression of Interest process and supported by local creative industry networks.
This opportunity is open to diverse representation and we encourage First Nations, Culturally & Linguistically Diverse and artists who identify with a disability to apply.
Key Activities
Structured Mentorship Program
- Ten (10) mentees will be paired with experienced mentors who are professional artists, for tailored guidance on project development, industry engagement, and career growth.
Professional Development Workshops & Industry Panel Talks
- Participants will take part in a program of training sessions covering essential career development topics such as business skills, funding applications, marketing, networking and more tbc.
- Workshops will be delivered by Industry professionals providing insights into creative practice as well as delivering Masterclasses to develop artistic skills.
Final Exhibition Showcase - January 2028
- Participants will develop new works to a theme determined by the cohort and mentors. Mentees will create new works under their mentors’ guidance for the final showcase, ensuring a tangible outcome and industry exposure.
- Participants will receive a stipend of $1650 towards their participation and artist materials for the final exhibition.
What’s on Offer:
- 10 Selected artists will be provided a stipend of $1650 each for participation and art materials.
- Mentorship with an established professional artist
- Free professional development, networking and training opportunities and participation in Masterclass workshops.
- Opportunity to be part of a group exhibition at Yarrila Arts & Museum (confirmed) and other galleries (TBC).
- Additional support for First Nations, CALD and artists with disability.
PRORGAM VALUE: $9,000
Who Can Apply:
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years or above
- Reside in one of Arts Mid North Coast member LGAs: Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Valley, Bellingen Shire of City of Coffs Harbour.
- Be an emerging or mid-career artist and have capacity to develop a new work for exhibition in January 2028
- Be able to commit to the 18-month program duration and enter into a contract with Arts Mid North Coast
- Have capacity to create new work/s suitable for gallery exhibition at the conclusion of the program.
Online Information Session: Shared Practice Program
When: Wednesday 14 January 2026, 6pm - 7pm
Where: Online via TEAMS - register to receive link.
Join Arts Mid North Coast for an online information session about Shared Practice: Regional Artist Development Program, an 18-month initiative designed to support emerging and mid-career visual artists living in the Mid North Coast region of NSW.
In this session, we’ll introduce the program’s structure, mentorship opportunities, key dates, and application process. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions before submitting your Expression of Interest.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Have more questions? Contact:
Skye Petho
Programs and Partnerships Manager
programs@artsmidnorthcoast.org
Funding Partners:
Program Delivery Partners:
