This is an open call opportunity to apply for a free six-month mentorship with me (Catherine Dunstan), in memory of my friend and mentor Simon Alderson.

I am looking to support an artist who needs creative or technical support or assistance in professional development towards a specific goal. This could be anything from a collection of glass art to working towards an exhibition or setting up a small business, to name a few examples. I am an experienced teacher and mentor and can help artists working in glass fusing, casting or stained glass in all aspects of creative and professional development.

Simon Alderson was a fantastic artist and teacher who gave so much to me and his students. This is my first offering of a mentorship in his memory, and I am currently looking to select one artist for this opportunity.

The six-month mentorship will consist of monthly hour-long Zoom calls, to begin shortly after the selection is made, alongside interim email support. Weekday appointments will be made to suit both calendars prior to beginning the mentorship. The selected artist must be able to access Zoom.

I will make the selection based on who I feel I can help the most, and who has demonstrated a clear specific goal to work towards. I will also consider, alongside Simon’s family and partner, which application we feel he would support.

Access to learning was really important to Simon and is to me too. Alongside the above criteria, special consideration will be given to those who would not otherwise be able to access this support for economic reasons, and those from communities that are underrepresented working in glass.

To apply, please fill in the form by following the attached link by 30th April 2025. I will notify each applicant by 12th May 2025 whether they have been successful or not. Thank you for helping me honour my friend, you can find out more about him via links on my website on the same page as the application form. He contributed lots of useful insights to a book I wrote in 2021, I’ve published all his contributions publicly in an earlier blog post on my website.