The evening was a joyous occasion, bringing mentors and mentees together to celebrate their collective achievements and reflect on the journey they undertook over the past 12 months.
As both mentees and mentors shared some of the insights they gained through their mentoring relationships it became very apparent that the partnerships had not only achieved tangible goals but had also cultivated some long-lasting relationships and were of mutual benefit. Mentors found fulfilment in guiding their mentees, witnessing their growth and accomplishments, and while mentees gained valuable knowledge, skills, and confidence through the guidance and encouragement of their mentors.
Artistic Director of Peckham Platform, Nephertiti Oboshie Schandorf, gave a thoughtful keynote speech which highlighted the impact of being mentored as a teenager had on her and how it nourished her journey into higher education and her career. We also heard from the cast of the West End musical Six and actor Susan Wokoma, who gave their tips on surviving and thriving in the creative industries.
For us, the Arts Emergency team, the event served as a testament to the effectiveness of the mentoring program, showcasing the positive outcomes and fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among all participants. As the evening concluded, it left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of mentorship in nurturing talent and building strong, interconnected networks can, ultimately, make the future a better place.
The following poem was created by poet and our Head of Community (and resident poet) Rose Condo, during the event using mentor and mentees feedback on their experience over the past 12 months.
2023 Mentorship Celebration Poem
By Rose Condo
Sharing lot of ideas, joy and connection
An hour each month of pause and conversation
Learning new things and being surprised
At depth of knowledge and to challenges rise
Reminders of how big decisions get made
Mentees prompting thinking about ambitions in new ways
Overcoming challenges of experiences new
Making decisions about the future and finding a way through
Mentees full of questions and eager to learn
Broadening horizons at every turn
Time and knowledge given, such generosity
A moment to remember that even a mentor can be a mentee
Both can be nervous and that is okay
Greater joy leads to greater success at the end of the day
Approaching goals with ambition and verve
Looking to the future and overcoming nerves
Expanding knowledge and opportunities
UCAS support and different pathways to see
Helpful and fun and insightful discoveries
Creating steps into creative industries
New mediums to try to challenge what you’re doing
Feeling proud and feeling present on projects pursuing
Goals and such progress deserves celebration
This year reinforces determination
To continue support of opening doors
Opening pathways and so much more
Work together - like Neil said - no one achieves anything alone
And though mentoring has finished and the time has flown
Excitement now for what the next years will bring
Congratulations mentees and mentors on everything