online Mentorship program
© Michelle Smith Lewis
Applications for the 2024 Mentorship Program will open November 15 and are due January 14th
The 2024 Mentorship Program will run February 1st-April 30th
The SIBs Mentorship Program serves underrepresented populations and those that historically have had less access to blacksmithing and metal arts. This program matches mentees and mentors around areas of interest or identity in order to create meaningful connections. This is a remote mentorship program, with no in-person instruction or meetings. The goal is to provide support to those who are currently practicing the craft in order to advance their abilities and learn how to navigate becoming a professional blacksmith or metal artist.
Who can apply?
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to the SIBs Mentorship Program. However, this is not an introductory program, mentees must have access to their own space and equipment.
Although all are welcome to apply as mentees, the Mission Statement of SIBs prioritizes the participation of women, BIPOC folks, the AAPI community, LGBTQIA individuals, those with disabilities, and others who are historically underrepresented in the field. Minors are not eligible to apply at this time. This is a fully virtual mentorship program.
being a mentee
The mentorship program prioritize smiths from historically underrepresented populations as mentees. Anyone over the age of 18 who currently has access to metalworking tools and facilities can apply to be a SIBs mentee.
This is a virtual mentorship program - you must have your own tools and access to a place to work to be able to participate effectively.
How does it work?Â
After being paired, mentors and mentees commit to communicating for four hours per month for a three month period, a total of 12 hours minimum contact time. This communication will be all remote and can be in the form of phone calls, emails, video calls, etc. Mentors and mentees establish their own preferred methods of communication and schedules.