TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) is delighted to be delivering another cycle of TRACS Traditional Arts Mentoring, with the support of Creative Scotland and partners.

This programme supports the professional and personal development of traditional arts practitioners in Scotland, reinforcing TRACS’ key work in enhancing the knowledge, practice, access and sustainability of music, song, storytelling, dance, crafts, customs and local languages. The cycle will run from March-September 2025 and is led by TRACS Traditional Arts Mentoring Co-ordinator, Jo Miller.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a process in which an experienced individual (‘mentor’) helps another person (‘mentee’) to develop goals and skills through a series of time-limited, confidential, one-to-one conversations. This process is known as mentorship.

Mentors also benefit through sharing their own learning, evolving their thinking, developing new relationships, and deepening their mentoring skills.

How does TRACS Traditional Arts Mentoring work?

Two mentorship opportunities for mentees will be offered in the following artforms:

• Traditional Dance
• Traditional Music
• Traditional Song
• Traditional Storytelling
• Gaelic language (in combination with one of the above artforms)
• Scots language (in combination with one of the above artforms)

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work one-to-one over 6 months with an experienced mentor in their chosen artform. This will be a mutually supportive dialogue, responding to mentees’ individual priorities and respecting different backgrounds and learning styles. Conversations may deal with topics such as creative approaches, professional challenges, confidence, and identifying training needs.

Meetings are likely to be mostly online, but some in-person contact is strongly encouraged. There will also be gatherings involving all participants, providing opportunities for peer learning.

Mentees receive a bursary to cover expenses such as travel and materials.

Am I eligible?

Applicants should:

• be based in Scotland
• be early- or mid-career traditional arts practitioners
• not be in full-time education
• not be participating in the Scottish Storytelling Forum Apprenticeship Scheme

How do I apply?

To apply for TRACS Traditional Arts Mentoring, please do the following by Monday 3rd March 2025:

1. Complete the application form
2. Send a concise CV (no more than 2 x A4 pages) to Jo Miller jo@tracscotland.org

If you have any questions, please contact the Mentoring Co-ordinator, Jo Miller jo@tracscotland.org