Do you feel stuck in your creative career? Would you like more support with your ‘to do’ list?
We can often feel overwhelmed with juggling our work as creative practitioners – keeping on top of diaries, publicity, gigs, funding… oh, and making time to develop new work!
The mentoring process helps you reflect on what is really important to you, and how to break down bigger challenges into manageable tasks. It can bolster your confidence and help you feel part of a supportive network – whatever your age or stage in your career.
TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) mentors are experienced traditional arts practitioners – dancers, musicians, storytellers, singers and language specialists. So they understand the value of having a confidential space to share concerns and celebrate achievements, whilst being trained in mentoring skills like active listening and goal setting.
The Power of Community in Creative Development
The traditional arts community in Scotland is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural heritage. These art forms continue to thrive, shaping and enriching contemporary Scottish life.
At TRACS, we are passionate about supporting the artists, performers, and creators who keep these traditions alive. Mentoring plays a vital role in this work, not only through the one-to-one relationships between mentor and mentee, but also by connecting individuals to a wider network of practitioners across Scotland.
By sharing knowledge and experiences across art forms, regions, and career stages, we strengthen the entire traditional arts community. And the journey doesn’t end with the programme – participants can continue to grow through peer-to-peer mentoring, collaboration, and creative exchange.
What is the TRACS Traditional Arts Mentoring Programme?
TRACS Traditional Arts Mentoring is aimed at practitioners of traditional music, storytelling, song, dance and language who are based in Scotland. The programme supports individuals to better manage choices, challenges and changes in their careers by providing structured and confidential support. It takes a holistic approach, which can help with both personal and professional challenges.
Mentors are trained to manage a series of mentoring conversations and encourage mentees to develop a reflective practice. The process helps participants identify goals and take plans forward and supports developing new skills or identifying training needs.
How the Mentorship Process Works – step by step
When you apply, we will ask for some details about you, your practice, and how you feel mentoring could support your personal and professional development. Every application is carefully reviewed, and places are allocated to reflect the range of art forms we support. If we are unable to offer you a place this time, we may suggest other opportunities to help you continue developing your work.
Next, the Programme Coordinator will speak to new mentees to find out more about what they want from mentoring. Then follows a process of matching up mentees with Mentors.
We begin the programme with an online group meeting – a chance to meet one another and receive an introduction to how everything works. Each participant receives a handbook outlining the programme framework and offering useful tools to support mentoring conversations.
Mentors and mentees then arrange their first meeting and plan the months ahead. You’ll meet six times over six months to set goals, share progress, and reflect on your development. Mentees are encouraged to make the most of this opportunity to focus on their growth and learning. A bursary is provided to help with expenses such as travel, lessons, equipment, or books. Midway through the programme, we come together again for a group check-in. Throughout the process, the coordinator is on hand to offer confidential support and guidance to mentoring partners.
At the end of the programme we gather again in person to share what we’ve learned and think about next steps. That event is always very positive and enriching! We collect feedback which helps TRACS to evaluate and develop the programme.
Ready to take your traditional arts practice to the next level?
Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to refine your craft or an established practitioner seeking fresh perspectives, this programme is designed to nurture your creativity while helping you build meaningful relationships within the traditional arts community – connections that inspire growth, collaboration, and continued innovation. It will also encourage you to tackle the everyday challenges of sustaining your work
Apply now for the 2026 Mentoring programme and work one-to-one with an experienced mentor in dance, music, song, storytelling or Gaelic/Scots language.
Click APPLY NOW to begin your journey of creative growth and connection through TRACS.
