The African Female Artist Mentorship Program (AFAMP) is calling on prospective mentees to submit their applications. Exclusive to African female artists aged 19 to 40 years, the mentorship is aimed at those in the early stages of their careers as professional artists. With regards to the application deadline, applicants must make their submissions by October 30, 2024.
Founded in 2002, the Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF) has established a reputation as a creativity community hub for young women and girls. Through visual and performing arts, creative writing and digital arts, the foundation has been a nurturing ground for artistic talents.
The African Female Artist Mentorship Program (AFAMP) is just one of the programs brought to life by the Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF). Drawing from the core mission of the GCAF which is the empowerment of the African girl child, the AFAMP is a specialised art program specifically for female artists. These are artists already on a decided artistic path.
Trying to get a foothold in any career requires some guidance. In the realm of art, it is even more important. While talent and skill is crucial to success, that is not all it takes to succeed as a professional artist.
The saying – “It’s a man’s world,” remains true as gender inequality still plagues the world and Africa more so. This is something that the creators of AFAMP recognise. Therefore, the program targets emerging female visual artists who need technical direction to develop or advance their practice.
In the mentorship program, professional and established artists will serve as mentors to guide and support the mentees on their chosen path. Applicants enrolled in post-secondary study are ineligible. Perhaps, this is due to the level of commitment required during the program as mentees are expected to utilise the program to its fullest potential.
Spanning three months and excluding the exhibition period, the program is set to begin in January 2025 and conclude in March 2025. In the course of the program, mentors and mentees will meet one-on-one online and physically at least once in two weeks. As a group, they will meet at least four times altogether.
The African Female Artist Mentorship Program mentors all have at least ten years of professional practice under their belts. With their extensive network and knowledge with exhibitions, grant writing, juries, curatorial resources and so on, these mentors will provide much-needed support to mentees.
How to Apply:
Prospective mentees must submit the following:
- A letter of application – Describe your experience as an artist (art practice/ studio activity) over the last year. What are your goals for this program? How would your current work benefit from the program? How will you devote adequate time to the development of your work while balancing other commitments? What challenges do you have in your practice, and what are you currently doing to overcome those challenges? (maximum of 2 pages)
- 10 jpeg images or 10 short videos – (maximum of 5 minutes each) with accompanying annotated image list (including title, date, media and dimensions). You can also submit any combination of images and videos for a total of 10 submissions.
- One letter of reference – from an established artist or curator with experience with your work. This letter should demonstrate that you are a good candidate for the program. Also include the names and contact information of additional references who have experience with your work.
AND
- A link to your website
OR
- A resume/CV (maximum of 2 pages)
Email a copy of your Application Proposal by October 30, 2024, to: gcaf@girlchildart.org.
Notification of Selected Artists
Notification of results will take place approximately one month after the deadline.
