The Resilient Artist Cohort
Artist Sarah Francis, founder of Aire Place Studios, Mill Gallery and The Other Studios, introduces a new mentoring programme - The Resiliant Artist Cohort - a space to have real conversations, to gain clarity and build networks, to make sure no one’s whispering “I don’t know what I’m doing” into the void alone anymore. This artist-led development programme will support six Leeds-based artists through mentoring, skill-sharing workshops, and hands-on exhibition experience.
There was a moment not that long ago when I realised something quite game changing. I’d wasted a lot of money on business cards, flyers, glossy prints, and more hours than I dare count stressing about how to “sustain” my practice. You know, the stuff we’re told we should be doing as artists. Then it hit me. The most valuable investment I’ve ever made wasn’t a shiny new promo pack or a website overhaul. It was mentoring. Proper, honest, empowering, “I’ve got your back” mentoring.
Having a space where I could talk openly about my practice—not pitch it, not sell it, just talk about it—changed everything. It reminded me that what truly matters as an artist is the art. Your art.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unsure how to take that next step, or simply craving someone in your corner, mentoring is the most powerful tool you can add to your artist toolkit. And here’s the beautiful bit. By investing in mentoring, you’re supporting other artists. You’re feeding our ecosystem. You’re helping it flourish.
Mentoring changed my practice. I’ve paid for many mentoring sessions over the years, and they've been transformational. I’ve had breakthroughs, built meaningful networks, learned how to navigate funding, and perhaps most importantly, I’ve made more art. I even ended up with a show in New York City. And I can honestly say, mentoring was a massive part of that journey.
As artists, we’re often isolated. We forget how powerful it is to have people truly see us, to have someone reflect our worth back at us when we’ve forgotten it ourselves.
We apply and apply—funding, residencies, opportunities—rarely pausing to ask, “Why the endless no’s?” We lose our voices in the noise. We forget our story. We disconnect from our vision.
But here’s the truth. You are the most important part of your art. You matter. Your voice matters. Your presence in this ecosystem is vital.
The art world is getting tougher. It’s becoming more centralised, more inaccessible, especially for those of us juggling caring responsibilities, jobs, disabilities, or anxiety and let’s not forget the cost of living crisis. Artist-run spaces, collectives, and studios are disappearing faster than you can say “arts funding cut”. While all this is happening, many of us feel disconnected, exhausted, frustrated, invisible.
The irony? The art world itself could use a bit of mentoring.
That’s why I created The Resilient Artist Cohort. A space to have real conversations, to build networks, to make sure no one’s whispering “I don’t know what I’m doing” into the void alone anymore. I am here to remind you that you're not just surviving—you can thrive. You can build confidence, share knowledge, and pass on that spark.
This isn’t just about keeping Aire Place Studios going. It’s about something bigger. It’s about nurturing a culture of artists who see value in themselves and in each other.
Over the past ten years, I have been proud to give many artists their first “yes.” Their first proper opportunity. Their first time saying “I am an artist” out loud and believing it. That’s what this is all about. Those small but mighty human moments. That’s what art is. It’s me. It’s you. It’s the world we’re shaping together.
Because we deeply value mentoring and its power to create change, we are offering 15 subsidised mentoring sessions for disabled and neurodiverse artists. These sessions will be with me, Sarah.
I am a queer, ADHD, dyslexic artist, curator, and founder of APS, Mill Gallery and The Other Studios. I have lived and worked on both sides of the table. I have spent a long time advocating for my needs, learning how to navigate the world as I am, and most importantly figuring out how to support and empower others to do the same.
I know the challenges. I have had the no’s, the knockbacks, the frustrations. And now I am here to help you speak your truth and move forward as the artist you want to be. Art practices are messy and you do not always know the direction you are taking.
I have been lucky to receive funding, including DYCP and other opportunities that taught me a lot about how to thrive as a working artist. I have also successfully managed funding bids of up to £100k in my role within not for profits.
Since 2016, I have supported 172 studio members across 36 studios and exhibited work by over 1,400 artists in 76 exhibitions. It is a journey I am proud of, and I am excited to now offer mentoring as part of what we do at Aire Place Studios.
I have a pretty big toolbox. I have made plenty of mistakes, learned the hard way, and I am passionate about helping other artists reflect, reframe, and rediscover the joy in making art. Mentoring can be a game changer.
Let us be real. Mentoring is not cheap. Sessions often range from £50 to £75, which can make it hard to access and even harder to see the value at first. That is why we are subsidising these sessions, but we are not offering them for free. Why? Because doing so can devalue the experience, and more importantly, it undermines the meaning behind supporting our creative communities in sustainable ways.
If you think I might be the right person to help you start these conversations and reflect on your practice, then I really encourage you to apply.
Just a note. Mentoring is personal. Sometimes you will not click with someone, and that is okay. I have had mentors myself that I did not quite connect with. It is not a reflection on their skill, it is just part of being human. So before applying, have a think about what you are looking for in these sessions. What support do you need? What are your goals? And does it feel like I might be the right fit to walk with you on this part of your journey?
The Resilient Artist Cohort
The Resilient Artist Cohort is an artist-led development programme supporting six Leeds-based artists through mentoring, skill-sharing workshops, and hands-on exhibition experience. If this programme doesn’t feel right for you, you won’t be missing out. Over the course of the programme, we will run subsidised public workshops, training, and mentoring to help you build skills and prepare for future opportunities. The programme is now live and applications open 1 May 2025. Apply here.