Frequency Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply?
Apply online, email karen@apt.org.nz to have an application form posted or emailed to you, pick up an application form and information pack from Arts Promotion Trust, The Old Library, 7 Rust Ave, Whangarei.

If no website is available which includes examples of your work please also email digital file/s which demonstrate your work to karen@apt.org.nz.  If possible keep these files to 5MB or less.  If you are not sure whether the digital files you have give a realistic indication of your work please email karen@apt.org.nz to arrange a time to discuss what will be the best way for us to see your work.

How much does it cost?
This programme is fully funded by Arts Promotion Trust, plus we may be able to assist with your travel costs involved with the programme.

Where will it be held?  Will I need to travel?
Some travel will be involved, although we may be able to assist with travel costs.  Some of the one-on-one sessions will be held in your own workspace.  We will try to hold as many of the classes as possible in a location convenient to you; this will be dependent on where the other programme participants are located.  If you have any concerns regarding travel, please discuss them with us and we will do our very best to assist.

How much time will I need to allocate?
You will need to allocate a significant amount of time and energy to the programme, and to your practise, both during the programme and after the programme finishes.

The programme will run from 13^th September to 6^th December.

You will need to be available all day on 13^th September for an all day workshop.

You will need to be available on a monthly basis for all-day workshops and fortnightly for ½ day workshops.  The dates for these sessions are still to be confirmed as it will be dependent on availability of the specialist tutors and mentors.

You will need to be available for a weekly one-on-one session with Mary.  Most of these sessions will be held by telephone.

You will need to be available for business coaching, dates and delivery mode to be confirmed depending on needs and requirements of participants.

On top of the programme, you will need to allocate an absolute minimum of 20 hours per week to your practise.

After the programme finishes you will need to allocate time to your final “showcase” and also to your practise.  This will need to be an absolute minimum of 20 hours per week.

What if I don’t live in Northland?
Sorry, this programme is only available to residents of the Northland region.  However, please do let us know if you are interested, as we may be able to deliver programmes in the future outside of the region.

When is my application due?
Please apply as soon as possible, the final deadline is Thursday 31^st July at 5pm.

How is my application assessed and what will I need to do through the application process?
1/ An preliminary assessment will be undertaken by Karen q Temple to ascertain suitability for the interview stage
2/ Your work and your potential will be assessed by an expert in your field.  You may need to be available to discuss your work with this person.  We will contact you to arrange a suitable time.
3/ Mary Britton will contact you to arrange a time to chat about your application.
4/ A decision will be made based on the criteria.  

When will I find out if I am accepted?
You will be advised by email by 5pm Friday 22^nd August.  If you do not have an email address the letter will be posted on 22^nd August.

What are the criteria?
We are seeking people with exceptional talent and motivation.  Your application will be assessed by an expert in your artform and by a qualified life coach.  Thus the criteria are as follows:

• Your work must show considerable potential

• You must have the available time

• You must be prepared to challenge yourself to meet your full potential, even though this may involve affronting moments and situations

• You must be willing to receive feedback from those people delivering the programme and the marketplace.

The following criteria are desirable:

• Access to reliable transport

• Daily access to a computer with internet

• Basic computer literacy

• Basic literacy and numeracy

However, if your work shows considerable potential, we will work with you to address these areas.

What are the benefits of applying even if I am not accepted?

• The process is designed to be beneficial regardless of your acceptance.  For example, you may find thinking about the questions in the application form assist you in deciding what are the next steps in your career.

• Networking and a sense of belonging

• We can let you know when we are running workshops and training in the future that may be of interest

• We can let you know about other opportunities that may be of interest to you.

If I am not accepted, will you tell me why not?
We are happy to discuss your application with you. 

Am I too old?
If you meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you.

Am I too young?
If you are still at school, you may be too young.  However if you are in your final years of high school and are focussed on a career in the creative sector, and you meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you.

You’ve asked me some really personal questions, how do I know you will keep my information confidential?
We are required by law not to disclose your information to anyone, without your permission, other than those listed below:

• Staff of Arts Promotion Trust

• Mary Britton who is delivering the life coaching component

• The artform expert who will assess your application

• If you are accepted on to the programme, your tutor/s and mentor/s

·     What if I have a “disability” or health issue?
In our experience, a “disability” does not stop you from being successful, even if it does pose additional challenges.  If you meet the above criteria we would love to hear from you.  We do ask that you are honest with us about the extent and effect of your disability and that if you are accepted to the programme that you are prepared to work with us to find ways to work around it.  We will treat your situation with confidence.

What if I am on a benefit?
If you meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you.  Please be aware, we will be expecting you to work towards moving off the benefit over the coming months.

Who are the tutors/mentors?
Mary Britton, a qualified life coach, highly experienced in working with creative individuals will provide weekly one-on-one coaching to assist participants develop the skills, mindsets and work practise conducive to success.  You can find out more about Mary at www.cause.co.nz

The business planning and skills component will be delivered by Karen q Temple, Chief Executive of the Arts Promotion Trust.  Karen is a qualified accountant with broad business experience both in and out of the creative sector.  She also has significant experience mentoring creative sector practitioners.  You can find out more about Karen at www.temple.co.nz

The artform specialist tutors and mentors will be selected depending on the needs and requirements of the participants who are selected for the programme.  Arts Promotion Trust has considerable networks in the creative sector and we will source the best possible personnel from throughout Aotearoa to infuse as much knowledge as possible into the Northland creative sector.  Should you have any special requests for tutors or mentors, we will do our best to source those people.

How do I apply to be a mentor or tutor for this programme?
There is person specification and an application form here.  You will need to able available for a ½ day training workshop on Saturday 6 September.  Mentor and tutors are remunerated.