Become a Mentor

What does a COTO mentor do?

As a COTO mentor, you'll offer regular one-to-one support to a mentee: a person recently released from prison who attended sessions with Prodigal Arts whilst in custody, or who maintains an active artistic practice and wants to gain support. Sessions typically take place monthly or every six weeks, by phone, or in person, and usually last around an hour.

You might review recent work together, give feedback on a portfolio, explore sources of inspiration, help identify courses or community art groups, or simply have an honest conversation about where someone's practice is going. The shape of each mentorship is decided collaboratively between you and your mentee based on what will work best for you both.

What we're looking for

We welcome applications from practising artists working in any discipline: visual art, writing, ceramics, textiles, digital media, music, sculpture, performance, and more. You don't need formal teaching or mentoring experience, but you should be:

  • Committed to showing up consistently and reliably

  • Able to work with someone whose background and experiences differ significantly from your own

  • Comfortable maintaining a warm but professional relationship

  • Genuinely interested in someone else's creative development

What's involved

  • Around 2–3 hours per month (this includes time for planning sessions and a brief written log after each session)

  • A half-day induction training session before you begin

  • Regular group reflective practice sessions with other COTO mentors

  • An enhanced DBS check

  • Access to a dedicated mentor resource bank, updated regularly with opportunities, CPD, and useful links

All mentors are fully supported by the COTO Programme Coordinator, who is on hand throughout.

What you get from it

Many of our mentors describe COTO as one of the most rewarding things they've done professionally. You'll develop your mentoring and reflective practice skills, deepen your own relationship to making, and contribute to something with genuine impact in people's lives. Prodigal Arts will provide a reference on request, and you'll be credited by name in our publications and reports with your consent.

Any questions?

Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to have a conversation before you apply.

Email the COTO Programme Coordinator at daniel@prodigalarts.org

“I discovered a side to me that I had to explore. It’s taught me how art can be applied in everything we do.” - A.A

Apply to become a COTO Mentor