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Talent development in the region: Cultuur Academy launches Mentoring Program 2026

In January 2026 a new edition of Cultuur Academy's Mentorship Program will start: a year-long program in which ten young makers from Arnhem and Nijmegen will have the opportunity to further develop themselves artistically and professionally. Musicians, actors, visual artists, dancers, designers, filmmakers and interdisciplinary makers can apply until November 16, 2025.

Personal guidance and knowledge sharing

The program combines peer supervision, workshops and personal guidance from a mentor. Every month the makers come together to exchange experiences, support each other and follow workshops, for example on profiling, pricing, healthy work practices and negotiation. In addition, Cultuur Academy pairs each maker with a mentor who matches individual development questions.

I learned that I can have more confidence in myself. It's nice to be able to share that very thing with each other.

For whom.

The Mentorship Program is intended for creators who have been professionally active for up to eight years and who live and/or work in Arnhem or Nijmegen. Participants pay a contribution of €175 (incl. VAT). Part of this amount can be reclaimed through Werktuig PPO.

Application process & selection

Applying is easy: send your motivation (letter or short video of max. 5 minutes), a portfolio or links to your work and your CV by November 16, 2025. More information can be found at www.cultuuracademy.nl/agenda/het-mentorschapsprogramma-2026.

Cultuur Academy will select ten motivated creators from all submissions. The selection is based on motivation and development questions; this is followed by an introductory interview. We deliberately look for a diverse group of makers from different disciplines, with a good balance between Arnhem and Nijmegen.

Practical

Application deadline: November 16, 2025
Start: January 2026
Workshops & peer review: every second Tuesday of the month (Feb-Nov, except July and August)
Locations: alternately Arnhem and Nijmegen
Language: both Dutch and English are welcome thanks to "lingua receptiva"