Lead, learn, and create lasting impact in communities
Community Arts Partnership (CAP) is inviting applications from experienced community artists to act as mentors and from emerging artists to participate as mentees in the CEMENT Programme – Community Engagement, Mentoring, Networking and Training – for 2025–26.
CEMENT projects are co-designed and co-delivered by an artist mentor, an artist mentee, and a community host organisation, ensuring high-quality creative engagement, professional development, and meaningful community impact.
For Artist Mentors
We welcome applications from experienced practitioners with:
- A strong record in participatory/community arts delivery, 7+ years
- Confidence in supporting and guiding emerging artists
- Skills in co-design, inclusion, and collaborative working
- Reliability in communication and project management
Mentors will:
- Lead the creative process with the community host and mentee
- Support mentees’ professional growth throughout delivery
- Support creative co-production with participating community hosts
- Receive agreed artist fees for project work
- Receive additional mentor fees for attending and supporting shared learning seminars
For Artist Mentees
We welcome applications from early-career artists with:
- Some proven experience in creative workshops or community-based projects, (under 5 years)
- A desire to grow skills in facilitation and engagement
- Openness to collaborative working and learning from peers and mentors
Mentees will:
- Actively co-deliver projects (not as observers)
- Receive agreed artist fees for project work
- Be offered a training allowance to support participation in learning sessions
- Gain direct experience of co-design, facilitation, and community practice
Programme Benefits & Commitments
All selected mentors and mentees will:
- Take part in monthly shared learning seminars (2 hrs, second Monday, Oct–Mar) featuring industry experts on topics such as co-design, facilitation, finance/admin, wellbeing, evaluation, and legacy planning
- Be eligible for mileage and/or travel reimbursement
- Access a supportive materials budget for their project
- Develop skills, share knowledge, embed learning in live creative projects in community
- Receive ongoing management support from CAP
- Join a network of peers and community hosts across NI
Timeline
Applications close: Wednesday 17th September, 2025
Selection confirmed: Friday, 19th September, 2025
Programme runs: October 2025 – March 2026
How to Apply
Apply as Mentor or Mentee via application form here
For questions about the form or alternative formats, contact: steven@capartscentre.com
CEMENT – Community Engagement, Mentoring, Networking and Training – is funded by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, and the Halifax Foundation, and delivered by Community Arts Partnership, Northern Ireland’s leading advocate for and provider of community arts.
