Weiyi and I started working together through the UNSW Career Ready Mentoring Program that was launched in May 2020. We’ve been on an incredible journey since then, and every meeting opened up new opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Weiyi studies the Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership at UNSW Art & Design, a university based in Sydney, Australia. I am an alumnus of UNSW and applied to be a mentor for a student who is in the process of finishing their degree. The UNSW Alumni and Engagement Team matched me with Weiyi as our academic paths and career aspirations interrelated. We’ve had weekly meetings where we exchanged ideas about the art world. Due to COVID-19 and current Australian travel policy, Weiyi is not able to study on site in Sydney, but she continues to study online. I am located in London at the moment, and in a good position to show Weiyi the possibilities that her career in the arts can bring. Through our flexible approach to mentoring sessions, our open mind and positive attitude, we were able to support each other in our creative lives. This is what we discuss and work on together:
Artist interview. What to ask an artist? How to research the artist’s practice to understand the depth of their creative process? How to record the interview online and edit it?
To practise this skill, Weiyi researched my art practice, came up with a number of questions and interviewed me. She wants to write an article that explores the influences of geographic locations on the artists’ style.
Galleries in the UK, China and Australia. How to approach galleries if you are a young curator?
To establish a connection with a wide variety of galleries around the world, I recommended Weiyi to create a website where she could showcase her understanding of the art market. She is now in the process of creating one.
Relational art and socially engagement art practice. How to connect with artists, curators and the community and engage them in a meaningful way.
I talked to Weiyi about a local community project that I was involved in. It is an environmental campaign to save The Happy Man Tree. Although the campaign is not explicitly related to practicing art, it has strong elements of socially engagement practices. I wanted to show to Weiyi how to think outside of the box and gain inspiration from immediate environment.
Grants for curators. Where to look for funding for young curators? How to apply for them? How to meet the criteria of funding bodies?
We looked at the Arts Council in Australia and the UK, and identified their key criteria for applying. Weiyi is now in the process of putting together an application.
UNSW Career Ready Mentorship program allowed me to share my experience with Weiyi who really needs this extra support right now. In the process of talking to her and looking back at how I got from point A to point B, I put my professional experience into the prospective. It also allowed me to gain a higher appreciation for what I’ve achieved so far. Weekly meetings with Weiyi kept reminding me of my values.
Together we stand.
This is how Weiyi felt about having me as a mentor.