The Shared Practice Mentorship Program reached an exciting milestone last Saturday, as participating artists gathered for their first group meeting at Bellingen Memorial Hall.
Following the recent announcement of the six mentors, with the ten selected mentees, this initial gathering marked the beginning of an 18-month journey of creative and professional development.
The day opened with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Lisa Kelly, a practising artist who generously shared her own art practice and deep connection to Gumbaynggirr Country.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in conversation and group activities that encouraged the exchange of ideas and experiences, laying the foundations for ongoing collaboration.
With the first gathering complete, the cohort now looked ahead to the months of connection, learning and creative exchange to come.
Shared Practice supports emerging and mid-career visual artists through a program of mentorship, professional development workshops and peer exchange, culminating in a final group exhibition. Designed specifically for regional artists, the initiative creates space for participants to deepen their practice, connect with peers and develop sustainable creative careers while remaining based on the Mid North Coast.
Shared Practice is an initiative of Arts Mid North Coast, supported by Creative Australia and Create NSW, in partnership with Yarrila Arts & Museum, Glasshouse Gallery and Nulla Nulla Regional Art Gallery.
Images: Jay Black And the Trees Photography
