INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINED CREATIVITY

ISC's Mentorship Program is grounded in one-on-one conversations that provide practical, pragmatic guidance, meaningful introductions, and real-world pathways toward sustaining creative lives. We believe artists thrive when they have access to trusted professionals who generously share their experience, knowledge, and communities.

This program draws upon Sharon Louden's extensive experience in the field since 2010. She re-designed the Chautauqua Visual Arts Residency Program (2018–2022) to implement many of the key components of ISC’s Mentorship Program and was also a key architect of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership Creative Economy initiative (2023–2024) which helped artists throughout the state realize their startup ideas. In addition, since 2013, Sharon and her team have produced more than 200 convenings of artists and arts professionals in communities all across the country and abroad in support of our “Living and Sustaining a Creative Life” series of books. This ongoing tour continues to surface current, essential needs facing artists today as they strive to sustain their creative lives.

In collaboration with the ISC Board of Directors and Advisory Board, Louden has assembled an interdisciplinary network of accomplished professionals —primarily from the visual arts, while also representing complementary creative fields — who share ISC's commitment to providing pragmatic mentorship, impactful relationships, and actionable pathways that help artists build sustainable creative lives.

Our mentors include artists, educators, curators, arts leaders, and other professionals who understand the realities of building creative lives and are committed to helping others do the same. Their guidance is rooted in generosity, empathy, inclusion, and a shared belief that artists deserve meaningful opportunities to flourish.

Mentorship at ISC is not simply about giving advice, it is about physically opening doors and creating real opportunities. Together, mentors and mentees explore opportunities, develop strategies, grow their own communities, and identify practical, realistic next steps and pathways that guide artists to move forward with the goal toward sustaining their creative lives.

As part of ISC's Connection Hub, our goal is to make experienced mentors accessible to artists who might not otherwise have these opportunities. We are especially committed to serving artists who have historically been underrecognized or underserved, helping create pathways that strengthen both individual artists and the broader creative community.

How our Program Works

ISC serves as a connector. We carefully select mentors whose expertise, generosity, and commitment align with our mission. Each mentor establishes their own consulting practice, schedule, availability, and fees.

To ensure a good fit, we suggest that every mentor offer a complimentary 30-minute introductory conversation. This initial meeting gives both mentor and mentee the opportunity to determine whether they would like to work together and discuss goals, expectations, scheduling, and next steps.

All mentoring arrangements -- including scheduling, payment, and communication -- take place directly between the mentor and mentee. ISC does not receive any portion of mentoring fees or facilitate financial transactions.

Mentoring fees are intentionally kept below standard consulting rates, with a range of $75 - $150 per hour, depending on the mentor's expertise and the mentee's needs. As a nonprofit service organization, ISC's sole purpose is to create meaningful connections that help artists sustain their creative lives.

Our Mentors

Each mentor has been selected for their unique experience, expertise, and commitment to supporting fellow artists. We believe mentoring is itself a creative practice, one rooted in listening, sharing, questioning, and helping others discover new possibilities. Our mentors bring not only professional knowledge, but also generosity, curiosity, and a genuine investment in the success of the artists they support. Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to:

• Finding and Connecting with Artists

• Creating Exhibition Opportunities

• Researching and Applying for Public Art RFQ’s

• One-on-one Assistance with Crafting Applications and Correspondence

• Cross-Cultural Curating and Exhibition Development

• Opportunities for Performance and Time-Based Artists

• Helping Emerging Artists to Find, Reach Out To and Work With Art Advisors

• Leadership Coaching for Arts Administrators

• And other additional categories listed below…

Getting Started:

Below you will find a directory of mentors, their areas of expertise, and contact information.

If a mentor's experience aligns with your goals, simply reach out directly to the mentor(s) of your choice by email. They will provide additional information about their mentoring approach, fees, availability, and expectations.

When contacting a mentor, we encourage you to briefly introduce yourself and share:

—> what you hope to accomplish

—> the questions or challenges you would like to explore

—> your goals for the mentorship

—> your commitment to actively engaging in the process

The most rewarding mentoring relationships are collaborative, thoughtful, and built on mutual respect. We hope this experience provides not only guidance, but also meaningful relationships and opportunities that continue long after your mentoring sessions have ended.

We are always here to answer your questions as well.