Join as a Mentee

Become a Mentee – Creative Catalyst Programme

Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Whether you’re already leading projects, working independently, or simply curious about your leadership potential, our new Creative Catalyst Programme offers the space, tools, and connections to help you grow.

We’re on a mission to support, empower, and inspire creative leaders across Bucks. If you’re passionate about making a difference in your community and eager to pioneer change, this programme is designed for you. It’s a unique opportunity for emerging and existing leaders to develop their leadership abilities, explore challenges and barriers and build capacity for inclusive, community-led arts, culture, and heritage initiatives.

Why Apply?

This is your chance to:

  • Develop Your Leadership: Receive one-on-one mentorship tailored to your individual needs, whether you’re leading a project or just starting out.
  • Grow Your Network: Connect with mentees and mentors from both within Bucks and beyond, broadening your circle of influence and inspiration.
  • Impact Your Community: Build your ability to deliver arts, culture, and heritage projects that are relevant and inclusive, helping to shape the future of the sector in Bucks.
  • Build Your Confidence: Gain the support you need to take on new challenges, think outside the box, and lead with confidence.
  • Access Tailored Support: Mentoring will be aligned to a project or challenge you’re facing, ensuring practical, hands-on guidance every step of the way.

How It Works

Each Creative Catalyst will receive:

  • Tailored Mentorship: Identify your unique needs and connect with a mentor who can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
  • Flexible Timeframe: Mentoring lasts between 6 to 12 months, offering the right balance of support to tackle your project or challenge.
  • Bespoke Guidance: Whether you’re an emerging leader, an established professional, or someone who’s still discovering their potential, this programme is designed to meet you where you are.

Made possible with support from Heart of Bucks and Rothschild Foundation, we are able to cover the costs of mentors, training and networking events for the cohort. A small travel bursary will be open to those who require support for networking events, but are not able to reimburse mentee time spent at mentoring sessions. We are happy to discuss potential sources of funding to support mentee engagement.

Who Can Apply?

This programme is for:

  • Emerging Leaders who are looking to develop their skills and take on more responsibility.
  • Existing Leaders who are seeking new perspectives, guidance, and support to enhance their impact.
  • Aspiring Leaders who may not yet see themselves as leaders but are eager to grow and contribute to the sector.

How to Apply or Refer

We believe in the power of connection and collaboration. If you’re interested in applying or referring someone, simply fill out our application form below. Whether you’re looking for mentorship or know someone who would benefit from this opportunity, we’re here to help you take the next step on your leadership journey.

Applications will be assessed by a panel against the following criteria:

1. Passion & Commitment

  • Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for developing leadership skills.
  • Shows a clear commitment to making a positive difference in the creative, cultural, or heritage sector in Bucks.
  • Shows readiness to actively engage, contribute, and collaborate within the cohort.
  • Willingness to engage fully in the mentoring process and programme activities.

2. Leadership Potential

  • Evidence of existing leadership experience or strong motivation to explore and grow into leadership.
  • Openness to self-reflection, new ideas, and feedback.
  • Desire to inspire and empower others through their work.

3. Community Impact

  • Potential to deliver projects or initiatives that benefit local communities.
  • Focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity within creative practice.
  • Alignment with the aim of building capacity for community-led arts, culture, and heritage initiatives.

4. Clarity of Goals / Project or Challenge

  • Clearly identifies a project, challenge, or area of development that the mentoring can support.
  • Demonstrates how participation in the programme will help them overcome barriers or grow capacity.

Creative Catalyst is Underway!

Our first Creative Catalyst cohort is now underway, with mentees beginning their mentoring journeys, shared learning and new connections across Buckinghamshire’s creative and cultural sector.

Applications for the 2025/2026 cohort are now closed, but we’ll be sharing stories, reflections and the impact of the programme as it develops. Information about future opportunities to join Creative Catalyst will also be shared here and through the Bucks Culture newsletter and social channels.

Support and Recognition

Creative Catalyst is made possible with support from Heart of Bucks and the Rothschild Foundation.

Their investment helps us offer tailored mentoring, training and networking opportunities to creative and cultural leaders across Buckinghamshire.