Welcome to Desert Pea Media’s ‘DPM FUTURES’ - a Creative Mentoring Program for up to 5 emerging Indigenous creatives (must be NSW-based).
Successful applicants will work alongside the DPM Team, and our network of industry professionals over a 6-month period, from October 2024.
The program draws on 22 years of DPM’s skills and experience – supporting participants to identify/set goals, learn new skills, meet new people, and further your creative, personal and professional practice.
Focused on three key areas:
Creative and Professional Development
Personal Development - Wellbeing and Purpose
Desert Pea Media Community Project Process
THE FRAMEWORK
DPM FUTURES is a creative, personal and professional development mentoring program, custom-designed for each successful applicant (paid/flexible/online).
The program will also include a 3-day intensive, invite-only ‘Camp’ on Bundjalung Country (Northern NSW) in December 2024.
Both before and after the Camp, there will be regular online sessions and weekly paid hours to achieve creative outcomes and career/creative/personal goals.
Selected participants will receive also employment placement on DPM Community Projects in NSW (2024/25)
ELIGIBILITY/ CRITERIA
>> Must Identify as Indigenous
>> Must live in New South Wales
>> Preference to those that have participated in NSW-based DPM Projects between 2002-2024.
>> Must be 18+
>> Must be actively engaged in your chosen craft/artform and have evidence of your work.
>> Must have access to support/resources ie. laptop/phone etc, or support services in your community.
THE DEAL (your part)
WILLINGNESS – This project relies on YOU to show up for your OWN personal, professional and creative development. We will give you as much support as we can, but you will ‘get out what you put in’.
CONSISTENCY - Consistently showing up to participate in the program and hone your craft is key to the success of your involvement. The ball is in your court.
FOCUS – keep your creative practice in focus and get the most out of the opportunity.
STRIVE AND THRIVE - push yourself towards excellence and facing the challenges of learning and growing – both as an artist and a person.
THE DEAL (our part)
WAGES - The equivalent of 5 hrs paid per week to achieve tasks and work on projects. Also to meet with mentors.
CAMP - All expenses paid trip to DPM Futures Camp in November. (room, catering, flights/travel).
MENTORING - Customised, weekly mentoring program with Indigenous and non-Indigenous mentors, built around your own personal/professional and creative goals.
PHONE /INTERNET - We will cover phone and data costs for 6 months (details to be negotiated).
THE PROCESS
There are 3 stages to the application process
1. Expression of Interest:
>> Fill it out and supply all info requested to give yourself the best opportunity to be selected.
2. Invited Applications:
>> We will select a short-list of applicants to go through to the next round.
>> Applicants will be required to ‘pitch’ themselves, their creative practice, their support networks etc via video (phone is fine).
3. Final Interviews:
>> Final applicants will be interviewed via an online meeting. Just like Australian Idol lol (nah gammon). More info will go out to selected participants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I participate remotely?
Yes – we are expecting a mix of participants from across NSW. Most activities will be remote/online, but there is a camp in November (dates TBC) that is essential (DPM will provide flights/transport/ accommodation/catering for this camp). There will also be regular online meetings that you are required to attend.
How much will I get paid?
There is 5 hours/week for 6 months of paid employment for each participant to work on your custom-designed personal/professional development program. These hours could possibly be done in a more intense block if that is more effective for you. The details of this will be negotiated with successful participants. Also, you will be paid to attend the Creative Camp in November, and for any DPM project placements that occur. There will be an allowance for phone and internet.
When does it start?
Final participants are selected in October. Final dates tbc.
When does it finish?
There will be a period of up to 6months of regular meetings and activities, with the possibility of DPM project placements beyond that.
What do I need to participate?
Preferably you would have a phone, access to a computer and internet connection, a space to work and preferably the support of a local service/agency in your town/community, and the time/focus to fully participate.
I haven’t been part of a DPM project but have experience with music, film or other artforms. Can I still apply?
*Preference will go to those who have actively participated in DPM Projects.
*To be eligible, you will AT LEAST need to have compelling evidence of strong connection to the DPM process/team/work.
