The Australia Council for the Arts today launched JUMP, Australia’s largest national mentoring program for young and emerging artists.

JUMP is the first program of its kind to support young artists anywhere in Australia to work with industry leaders across a wide range of artforms.

Thirty six mentorship places of up to 10 months each are available this year for artists aged 18 ñ 30 and in the first five years of their career. More mentorships are available in 2011 and 2012.

Funding is for a creative project to be achieved through a one-on-one relationship with a chosen mentor. The program also provides access to professional skills development, online profiling, showcasing of their projects and opportunities to engage with national artistic networks.

Libby Christie, Executive Director of Arts Funding for the Australia Council for the Arts, said JUMP is another exciting Australian Government initiative to develop the career paths of Australia’s next generation of artists.

“Our priority is to help artists build sustainable careers and for many young professional artists getting established can be challenging and isolating. Who better to help grow the skills and networks of an emerging artist than those who are already established and willing to share their hard-won knowledge?”

JUMP will be managed nationally by Youth Arts Queensland (YAQ) ñ the stateís peak body for youth arts and cultural development.

Julie Woodward, CEO for YAQ, said career fast tracking through one-on-one mentoring is a unique experience for both mentee and mentor. “We look forward to watching the career progression of our mentees during and after JUMP, knowing that through this program, many of us in the Australian arts industry will be able to say “I remember them when…” she said.

Also announced today are two inaugural state delivery partners. Carclew Youth Arts in South Australia and Propel Youth Arts WA will work with YAQ to help organise quality mentor placements and respond to the local needs of young and emerging artists.

“We are thrilled to be part of a program that allows our organisations to support and profile young and emerging artists locally and nationally” said Tricia Walton, CEO of Carclew Youth Arts, and Sonja Basic, General Manager of Propel Youth Arts WA.

Full JUMP details, including information session dates and grant application details can be found at www.jumpmentoring.com.au. Applications close Friday, 26 February 2010.

JUMP, the national mentoring program for young and emerging artists, is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Governmentís arts funding and advisory body.

MEDIA CONTACT: Emma Heath M: 0413 768 588 E: emma.heath@bigpond.com