Mentoring programme to encourage young artists
On 1st January 2025, Jeremy Sanders announced the start of the consultation process to develop the Cornwall Open Studios Mentoring Programme for 2026.
Cornwall Open Studios (COS) is keen to put something back into the community and helping young artists is a great way to do so.
Currently Jeremy envisages an age range of 18-26 years of age, with a focus on second year MA students and recent graduates, as opposed to third years who will be preoccupied with their degrees shows.
However, he intends to investigate whether this Mentorship might be of more value to BA students and hope that tutors will get in touch to discuss these options.
The programme will also be open to non-students who may not be able to afford higher education fees and need help to develop their talent. During the consultation process COS will explore possibilities for grants or sponsorships to support these potential Mentees.
Jeremy has worked with the Prince’s now King’s Trust as a Mentor for many years and supports good causes when he can. Cathy Woolcock, CEO, Cornwall Heritage Trust, had this to say:
“Jeremy has been incredibly generous to Cornwall Heritage Trust; he very kindly donated his beautiful painting of the annual beacon lighting at Sancreed Beacon to raise funds for the charity. Now he’s developing his mentoring offer for Cornwall Open Studios we wish him the very best of luck and every success with his new venture”.
The proposal is for the Mentorship to be for the first six months of 2026. So, the Mentee would be involved in the whole process of preparing for and then helping host an open studio exhibition. COS envisages the Mentee having their own page on the website and some work on show in their Mentor’s studio. But a lot will depend on what Members think and COS will be consulting with them over the next few months.
There will need to be a signed Mentoring agreement using the PDF template which will be downloaded from the COS website. Once COS has verified the agreement, the Mentee will be able to participate in the programme with all the benefits to both them and their Mentor.
Jeremy wants to get reactions to these ideas and input from Cornwall’s art colleges, grant-giving institutions, and of course our Members as to how best to organise the programme.
Cornwall Open Studios was established as Limited Company 16011138 with any profits after necessary costs being retained for the benefit of Members. It is Jeremy’s intention for Cornwall Open Studios Limited (COSL) to be converted into a Community Interest Company (CIC) in due course.
