Since August 2020, The Arena mentoring scheme has seen almost 400 emerging creatives come through its virtual doors, and go on to smash it in industry with the support of our incredible volunteer mentors.
We open applications for mentees twice a year in spring and autumn and keep a waiting list live for prospect mentors all year round. So if you’re keen to give back to the community and support the next generation of talent - keep reading!
What’s this all about then?
The initiative is not just about opening doors, but creating an environment for collaboration and growth. But most importantly, ensuring no creative breaking into this industry feels alone.
Unlike other schemes, we don’t provide a strict schedule of meet-ups. Instead, mentors only commit to an initial conversation. If you click, it’s totally up to you whether you organise regular catch-ups or provide ad-hoc feedback and advice when your mentee needs it.
This is where you come in!
We’re looking for design and illustration industry professionals, with two years or more experience to share their time with some of the hottest up-and-coming talent the UK has to offer.
The disciplines of particular focus to our scheme are creative direction, design (digital, editorial, UX/UI, motion), illustration and brand strategy. This also includes creative recruiters, artist agents and similar roles.
We are particularly keen to hear from creatives that would consider themselves to be under-represented in the industry.
Keen to get involved? Here’s how it works…
We review your application and reach out if we think you’re a good fit.
You let us know your availability to speak to mentees.
We do the match-making, partnering you up with the mentees best-suited to you
We introduce you to your mentees, and provide you with a summary of their experience and goals
Meet, chat, have a brew, get to know one another, answer questions and share your ideas!
It’s then totally up to you whether you organise regular catch-ups or provide ad-hoc feedback and advice when your mentee needs it.
Apply to become a mentor!
We open up applications to mentees twice a year, in spring and autumn, so if you're selected to be a mentor, we'll be in touch to line you up for the next wave of the scheme.
If you have any questions at all surrounding the scheme, becoming a mentor or supporting the scheme in general, drop us an email on hello@thearena.org.uk.
Looking for something a little more bespoke?
Tailor-made mentoring programmes, designed exclusively around the ambitions of your organisation, in partnership with The Arena.
Drop us an email to create something great together! lauren@thearena.org.uk