The Gippslandia Mentorship Program: Fostering connection and creativity in Gippsland

A new initiative is paving the way for young creatives to foster a sense of belonging and optimism for the future in Gippsland, Victoria. The Gippslandia Mentorship Program, spearheaded by Regional Arts Victoria’s (RAV) Future Reset Program in collaboration with the local publication Gippslandia, provides a wonderful opportunity for budding writers and artists. This program, targeting individuals aged 15-25 years, offers a three-month mentorship in journalism, graphic design, photography, and illustration. What makes this program truly exceptional is the culmination of these young artists’ work published in a youth dedicated issue of Gippslandia.

The program’s pilot phase has already proven to be a resounding success, offering participants invaluable opportunities to learn from Gippslandia staff and contributors. For many of these young creatives, it was their first time engaging in such fields, and the experience has been transformative. Stephanie Clark, the program coordinator, underscores the significance of such initiatives, stating, "It's not every day that young people get a chance to learn something new, work alongside industry professionals, see their finished work in print, and get paid."

For the participants, the program pilot was more than just a learning experience; it was a journey of firsts. This sentiment was echoed by Darcy Stockdale, a mentee in the 2023 program, who expressed, “This issue is full of firsts: first interviews, first feature articles, first photo features, first published illustrations, and even the first thought of pursuing creative industries. Though it may be scary doing something for the first time, the unwavering support provided through specially assigned mentors did more than help, with both industry and personal connections being made along the way. Without opportunities like this, dreams stay dreams. Passion never finds its place. Luckily for those featured in Gippslandia issue #30, dreams have come true.”

The team at Gippslandia has long believed in the power of youth voices, and this belief was highlighted in their decision to hand over their platform to young people for issue #30 of the publication. As Tim Leeson, Editor at Gippslandia, explains, "Gippslandia was founded to create a new narrative for our region; one that recognised the power of storytelling to do so, especially when including voices that otherwise can go unheard. Collaborating on the mentorship program with RAV provided their team with a substantial boost in energy, as they were invigorated by the insights these new young voices shared.” "As our team of mentors agreed," Leeson continues, "'The next generation of Gippslandians are leading with heart, depth, and sensitivity... they're asking the right questions and challenging the status quo.'” By celebrating new voices and building supportive networks, Gippslandia is playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders and change-makers in the region. Gippslandia hopes to continue providing a platform for these young storytellers, ensuring their stories and perspectives are heard far and wide.

Despite its overwhelming success, the Gippslandia Mentorship Program pilot was not without its challenges. One of the main hurdles was maintaining effective communication between mentors and mentees. The reliance on Zoom calls presented difficulties, as the virtual communication tools could often lead to feelings of disconnection. However, the program quickly adapted, fostering a collaborative environment where digital communication became a tool rather than a barrier. Mentors and mentees found ways to bridge the gap through shared documents, comments sections and emails, turning what could have been a hindrance into a strength and allowed connection from across Gippsland. 

The Gippslandia Mentorship Program is an example of the power of community-led initiatives in regional areas. Sharing space with like-minded individuals, finding professional pathways, and seeing their work in print all contribute to a sense of achievement, belonging and mental health wellbeing.

In a world where opportunities for young people can often feel limited, the Gippslandia Mentorship Program is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support and guidance. It empowers youth and proves that with time and a nurturing environment, dreams can indeed become reality. As the program looks to the future, its success serves as a call to action for other regions and publications to consider similar initiatives.