The operational upheaval COVID-19 has had on arts and cultural organisations across the country has been varied and profound. It has seen companies rethinking what they are doing; adapting plans on the fly to move to a sustainable future. Importantly it has also created opportunities to challenge existing paradigms, review less profitable activities, focus on core audience and stakeholders and bound back with vibrant and meaningful art.

The span of new thinking, digital agility and approaches required to navigate successfully in this new era is as diverse as the organisations’ national locations, artforms and sizes. Responding to this, in 2021 Creative Partnerships is offering bespoke mentorships in either arts fundraising or organisational management for companies that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. The program is designed for organisations that would benefit from external expertise, strategically guiding them to operational productivity and sustainability – LIFT Covid Mentorships.

“So many challenges have been thrown to arts and cultural organisations during COVID-19. For the most part, it has forced them to think about how they do things and what could be possible. Sometimes these things seem unachievable, or too hard due to limited internal resources and skills.”

“LIFT Covid Mentorships help fill this need by building expertise and organisational knowledge through our exemplary network of arts leaders. The results from previous Lift Mentoring programs have delivered significant fundraising revenue growth and organisational transformation.” commented Matt Morse, Creative Partnerships Executive Director Programs and Strategy.

16 mentorships are available, specifically for arts fundraising managers or executives who play key operational roles within their organisations. Successful applicants will be paired with experts in the arts and cultural sector, with skills aligned to their particular challenge or need. Including a guided foundation meeting, the program consists of ten monthly one-one-one sessions: setting strategic goals, identification of associated plans and the fostering of key skills required to implement the strategic plans.

The deadline for applications has been extended and are now closing 5pm AEST, Friday 28 May 2021.

For more information about LIFT Covid Mentorships, program guidelines and to apply here.