Who Can Use The BAO Mentorship Library?

The BAO Mentorship Library is only for Brampton-based artists, creatives and arts and culture organizations. It is free to use and no application is required to participate. Access to mentors is not guaranteed and is dependent upon the availability of the mentors.

How To Use The BAO Mentorship Library

Start by thinking about the problem you are trying to solve or the advice and guidance you are seeking. With that in mind, review the mentor profiles below and select one of the mentors to contact. Be sure to have at hand at least one or two questions or goals that you can discuss with the mentor before contacting them. This will give you a starting point for conversation and ensure you both make the most of the mentorship session.

You may use the BAO Mentorship Library once every six months (before April 2025) for a one hour long mentorship session. Additionally, you should only reach out to one mentor at a time. Once you secure a mentorship, do not reach out to additional mentors on the list.

BAO is not involved in the pairing of mentors and artists. It is your responsibility to contact the mentor and coordinate how and when to meet (virtually, in person, a phone call, etc.).

All mentors and mentees are expected to follow BAO’s Community Guidelines and Code of Conduct. Please make yourself familiar with the code if you haven’t already.

How To Contact A Mentor

When you find a mentor you’d like to connect with, you should reach out to them directly through the email address or form on their profile.

You can use this email template as a starting point. Remember to be open and flexible with your questions and suggestions.

Hello (Mentor Name),

My name is (your name), and I am (brief statement about your practice). I live in (where you live in Brampton).

I saw your profile on the BAO Mentorship Library page and I am writing to inquire about a mentorship meeting with you.

You can see more of my work at (website, socials, link, attachment).

I’m currently working on (project) and I would like to (briefly describe the main goal you would like your mentor to help you with). Based on your experience with (describe mentor’s experience and why they would be a good fit to support your goals) I would like (be specific about the help you need to achieve your goal).

I would like to connect with you over (phone call, Zoom, coffee). Here are some times I’m available in the upcoming weeks:
(X date and time)
(X date and time)
(X date and time)

If you have any questions for me, please let me know.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
(Your Name)

NOTE: Mentors may accept or decline your mentorship request at their discretion. Some considerations include their suitability to supporting your goals and their own schedules. Some mentors may decline if their mentorship spots are already filled. Mentors are not required to accept your mentorship request. Please be respectful of their decision.

If accepted by the mentor you contacted, discuss and decide how you are going to communicate and meet going forward.

What To Expect During Your Mentorship Session

It is expected that you will prepared and on time for your mentorship session. If you’re unable to attend the scheduled session, let them know as soon as possible and offer potential days and times for rescheduling.

To get the most out of the mentorship session, make sure to seek and be open to constructive feedback while communicating in a respectful manner.

Thank your mentor at the end of the session. Please be aware that you and your mentor may or may not choose to stay in contact following your mentorship meeting. There is no expectation that the mentor-mentee relationship will last more than one hour.