For the second year running, Orms Circle invites woman-identifying artists to apply for an 8-week mentorship programme, of which the selected winner will receive access to a platform to showcase a solo body of work in collaboration with photographic industry leader, Orms.
Driven by the knowledge that artists are inspired, uplifted and empowered by a strong professional network, Orms has created a platform for the selected artist to build relationships with a community of experts who hold immense industry insights and experience, as well as access to available photographic gear, studio space, mentorship support from industry leaders, and more.
During the intensive 8-week programme, the artist will enjoy the freedom to create, receive invaluable feedback, and grow in a way that facilitates a sustainable professional practice. The artist will also learn essential technical skills to assist in the creation of their final body of work, and will enjoy marketing exposure as the solo exhibition date draws closer.
GLAMOUR caught up with Lauren Theunissen of Orms Cape Town School of Photography Lecturer and Curator, to speak about the Orms Circle Mentorship Programme, the intention behind it and how you can enter.
What is the mentorship programme about?
Orms celebrates the importance of belonging to a strong professional network as a powerful means to share experiences, resources and establish invaluable relationships. Orms welcomes back the Orms Circle Mentorship Programme which provides the woman-identifying artist with the platform to break into the art industry.
The selected artist will have access to the necessary facilities for the creation of a body of work to be exhibited in collaboration with Orms in December 2020. This year Orms has partnered with Orms Cape Town School of Photography and Market Photo Workshop. Together, these learning institutions will support one another through professional expertise and other invaluable resources for the shared success of their independent mentorship programmes.
As such, the Orms Circle Mentorship Programme artist will be fast tracked to participate in the Market Photo Workshop’s Incubator programme where they will continue with conversations on sustainable professional practice in 2021. Orms and Orms Cape Town School of Photography are proud to join forces with Market Photo Workshop in a combined effort to support, nurture and grow a network of professional practice in South Africa.
The Programme aims to empower artists on an individual level so that they are able to promote themselves and be accountable for their own representation.
How can you enter?
Submissions are open from 7 August 2020 – 30 September 2020. For more information on Orms Circle and to apply online click here.
Among other qualifying criteria to enter, you are required to have prior industry experience, submit your photographic portfolio, motivational letter, and your resume with contactable references.
What’s the prize?
The selected artist’s solo exhibition will take place at FORM, Orms’ dedicated exhibition space in Cape Town, on 3 December 2020, with the opportunity for the exhibition to travel to Johannesburg in 2021. Under the guidance of a select group of mentors, the selected artist will be guided through this transition and benefit from the expertise of Lekgetho Makola of Market Photo Workshop, Lauren Theunissen curator for Orms Cape Town School of Photography and Yonela Makoba Orms Circle artist 2019. With this inner circle of guidance, the artist will be supported with the necessary skills training, challenged through critical engagement on their practice and empowered to present their first solo exhibition hosted by Orms. The exhibition will be hosted at FORM, our new creative space, and curated with the guidance of these industry leaders. The addition of business guidance will be provided through the presence of Tziona Kerton of Conversation Capital and Toby Orford, art law expert.
Together this diverse group of industry professionals will nurture the growth and guidance of the Orms Circle Mentee while Orms provides the use of dedicated studio space, photographic and lighting equipment as well as printing and framing services for the concluding exhibition in Cape Town.
