Common Ground an arts development organisation based in Dublin 8 and Create the national development agency for collaborative arts, undertook an action research project, the Connect Mentoring Programme, over an eighteen month period that examined mentoring for collaborative and participative arts.

The findings, accompanying DVD and brochure were launched at IMMA with a performance by artist Anna Berndtson  (current recipient of the Firestation Disability Artists award) and participant in the Connect Mentoring Programme.

Over fifty people attended the launch where Padraig Naughton, Arts and Disability Ireland chaired a panel discussion with mentors and mentees Jay Koh, Dr Paul Roe, Fiona Whelan and Mark Ellison, ( former participants in the Connect Mentoring programme).   This was followed by Dr Daniel Jewesbury and Ann O'Connor presenting information on two new Connect Mentoring Awards to be adminstered jointly by Common Ground and Create  for artists working in collaborative/participative arts in both Arts and Health and Cultural Diversity.

Deadlines for applications for the Connect Mentoring Awards in Arts and Health and Cultural Diversity: are Wednesday August 4, at 5pm. For full details on the application process and criteria please visit: www.create-ireland.ie or www.commonground.ie

 Applications to be received by post to Create, Mentoring Award, 10/11 Earl Street South, Dublin 8. 

 The Connect Mentoring Programme is an Arts Council funded programme

Sincere thanks to the Education and Community Department of Irish Museum of Modern Art for its support