Mentorship Program
Application Guidelines, Terms & Conditions
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
This year 12 mentors will be paired with 12 mentees. Each pairing work together towards an exhibition. Our mentors bring a range of skills and expertise across the visual arts. We will pair 11 artists and 1 Curatorial Mentee. Refer to the Mentor Profiles 2026 for further information about the cohort.
Role of the Curatorial Mentee
The successful curatorial mentee will work with the Curatorial Mentor to establish a theme for the end-of-program exhibition, liaise with mentees and mentors around development of works for the exhibition, as well as develop any accompanying documentation and curation of the exhibition. The mentee will meet with NAS staff early in the program to confirm key dates and task allocation for the exhibition.
How does the application process work?
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Eligible visual artists and emerging curators are welcome to make an application by the due date (midnight Tues 27 January 2026)
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There is a $33 (incl GST) processing fee payable at the time of submission. Please note this fee assists with the cost to process applications and is non-refundable. The program is competitive. By submitting your application and paying this fee you are not guaranteed a place in the program. There are no other costs associated with the program for participants.
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All applications will be checked for eligibility by Newcastle Art Space staff before being shortlisted by our Mentorship Selection Team. This team will comprise arts industry experts who will shortlist applicants to be matched with one of their top three preferred mentors.
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Each mentor will have the opportunity to review the shortlist and set up an interview with their potential mentee. The final decision on who is accepted into the program is held by the mentor. ​​
Mentorship Program Area
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The Newcastle Art Space Mentorship Program is open to applications from practicing visual artists who are willing to travel to Newcastle Art Space or the Newcastle area to meet with their mentor and participate in the program's events.
Communication & privacy
Applicants consent to being added to the Newcastle Art Space electronic mailing list for updates and further information on this Mentorship Program plus other opportunities run by Newcastle Art Space. Artists details will not be shared and an unsubscribe link is provided in each email.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1
Please read this guide in full before making your application.
Step 2
Check your eligibility:
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Will you be 18 years of age or older on 27 January 2026?
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Do you live or have a working studio within the geographical boundaries outlined above?
Step 3
Identify your top three preferred mentors
See our list of amazing mentors HERE
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Step 4
Prepare your application information:
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A short statement about your art practice. (max 200 words)
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A statement of why you believe you will benefit from mentoring and what you would hope to achieve with your preferred mentor over the coming 12 months. (max 500 words)
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Your 1-2 page art CV.
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Up to 6 images of your work
Uploaded image(s) should be:-
A minimum of 750 pixels on the shortest side
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Saved in .jpg or .png format only (not .jpeg)
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Maximum file size of each image not exceeding 2MB
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The file name must include the artist’s name and title of the work e.g.firstname_lastname_titleofwork.jpg.
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Add details of the project and year, along with any photo credits in the text box provided
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Step 5
Upload your application online by midnight 27 January 2026 via the following link:
https://www.newcastleartspace.org.au/mentorship-application
Please note: There is a $33 (incl GST) processing fee payable at the time of submission. Please note this fee assists with the cost to process applications and is non-refundable. The program is competitive. By submitting your application and paying this fee you are not guaranteed a place in the program.
There are no other costs associated with the program for participants.
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INFORMATION FOR SELECTED MENTEES
Selection and notification
Mentorships announced: February 2026
The list of selected mentees will be posted on social media and on the Newcastle Art Space website after they have been notified.
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EXHIBITION INFORMATION FOR MENTEE AND MENTOR ARTISTS
Delivery of artwork
Artists will be notified of delivery date and times closer to the exhibition and must deliver their work during these times or by an agreed alternative. Freight costs and all other charges relating to delivery and collection of artworks are the sole responsibility of the artist. Artworks will not be accepted unless delivered and returned free of all freight and other charges.
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Insurance & indemnity for final exhibition
Newcastle Art Space and its agents will exercise all due care with the works submitted but will not be responsible for any loss or damage suffered whatsoever to any artwork while in transit or under its control. Each artist shall indemnify Newcastle Art Space and its agents against any loss or damage suffered to their artwork whatsoever. Each artist is responsible for their own insurance cover.
Artwork requirements
Artwork delivered to Newcastle Art Space must be CLEARLY MARKED on the reverse with the artist’s name, address, contact details, the title of the work, medium, size and the current retail price (if for sale) specified on their entry.
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Sales & commission
Artists' works sold at Newcastle Art Space Gallery will attract a 30% commission on sales, with all proceeds to Newcastle Art Space. Artists note: if you are represented by a sole exhibiting gallery the sales commission will be split.
Photography & reproduction of artwork
All artists authorise Newcastle Art Space formally and irrevocably, to capture and publish images of their works free of copyright, totally or partly, in all publications (catalogues, folders, posters, slide shows, brochures etc) related to promotion and documentation of this Mentorship Program, as well as on the Newcastle Art Space website and social media.​
Collection of unsold works
Works not sold during the exhibition periods must be collected during office hours or by arrangement. Any artwork not collected after the exhibition are liable to be stored at the artist’s expense, and disposed of if not collected within a reasonable timeframe.
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QUESTIONS
If you have any questions regarding your entry, please get in touch with us via mentorship@newcastleartspace.org.au
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