Art Apprenticeship Network FAQ
For Mentors
I am interested in participating in the program. Can you clarify on what you mean by “apprenticeship”?
Certainly! By apprenticeship, we refer to a structured learning experience in which a student works alongside an established artist, designer, cultural worker, or artist collective to develop practical skills through real-world projects. Apprentices contribute meaningful work to a project while receiving ongoing guidance, feedback, and mentorship from the mentor.
The program is intended to support projects where the mentor has the knowledge and capacity to supervise the work and provide a rich learning experience. It is not designed to source specialized expertise that the mentor is unable to direct or evaluate, or to fill a temporary staffing need. If your primary goal is to hire someone to independently complete a defined body of work, we encourage you to post the opportunity on ECU’s Leeway platform instead.
Who is eligible to apply? What do you mean by established?
The program is open to all established artists, artist collectives, and cultural workers associated with a not-for-profit art organization located in Metro Vancouver. This includes regular and non-regular faculty at Emily Carr University engaged in projects and practice outside of the school.
For Artists: All artists with an active studio practice are encouraged to apply. Participating artists must be engaged in studio practice or the development of applied projects or collaborations (as opposed to doing contract work) and must be able to commit adequate time and attention to train and mentor an apprentice. Artists must have completed basic academic training in a relevant field or should be recognized by their peers and must have publicly shared an independent body of their work within the last three years.
For Individuals Associated with a Cultural Not-for-Profit Organization: We welcome all individuals associated with a cultural not-for-profit organization with a well-defined project or scope of work fit for an apprentice to apply. Participating cultural workers must have supervisory experience and must be able to commit adequate time and attention to supervise, train and mentor an apprentice: the mentorship should be led by a particular individual within the organization.
What is the structure of the apprenticeship program?
Our program employs a part-time apprenticeship model, where your apprentice will work with you for a maximum of 150 hours. The breakdown of apprenticeship hours is flexible to accommodate both the mentor’s and the apprentice’s schedules. For example, you can allocate 10-12 hours per week over 12-18 weeks anytime within the cycle. Please note that all apprenticeships must finish by December 31.
Is it possible to have two apprentices?
No. Our program is designed to pair one student with one mentor. This is to ensure that mentors and apprentices can foster meaningful relationships and to allow our students to gain the most experience they can possibly get.
How does the selection process work?
All applications are forwarded along to the Selection Committee, who evaluate each application based on the clarity and feasibility of the project scope, the applicant’s ability to define the apprentice’s role and expectations, the quality of the proposed mentorship and learning opportunities, and the value the apprentice’s contribution would bring to the project.The Selection Committee is comprised of leadership from Academic Affairs, Libby Leshgold Gallery, and the Shumka Centre as well as current students and program alumni.
Does the program cover any project-related expenses?
No. We are not responsible for reimbursing any project-related expenses including production space fees, travel expenses for apprentices, materials, artist fees, etc. These costs will fall under the responsibility of the mentor.
Can my apprentice and I utilize the facilities at ECU?
No, the program does not allow mentors to use institutional resources. The apprenticeship is designed to take place in the artist’s studio and other off-site locations. This approach helps ensure students are exposed to environments and resources they might access after graduation, as our facilities are not available to alumni or external parties.
What is the hourly wage for apprentices?
We pay our students per Emily Carr University’s Student Employment Rates. These rates are adjusted for inflation at about 2% every year. To get the most current rate, please send us an email: shumka@ecuad.ca.
Still have questions? You can reach out to us at shumka@ecuad.ca
Mentor Applications for AAN 2027 are Now Open.