Supporting emerging foreign-born and Swedish-speaking creatives in Finland

GAP Svenska Mentorship 2026–2027 is a one-year mentorship programme designed to support emerging foreign-born and Swedish-speaking artists in building sustainable professional careers in Finland.

The programme builds on the learnings and best practices from the previous three editions of Globe Art Point’s GAP Peer to Peer programmes and develops the peer-learning model further through structured mentorship.

The programme brings together emerging artists with experienced Swedish-speaking professionals from the Finnish arts and culture sector. Through mentorship, peer learning, professional networking and knowledge exchange, participants will gain practical insights into navigating the professional arts and cultural field in a Swedish-speaking environment.

About the Programme

For many emerging artists, entering the professional arts and culture field can be challenging, particularly when working in a language and professional environment that is different from their own.

GAP Svenska Mentorship aims to address some of these barriers by creating opportunities for participants to learn directly from established professionals, develop professional networks and better understand the possibilities available within Finland’s arts and cultural sector.

The programme is intended for emerging foreign-born and Swedish-speaking artists in Finland who are developing their careers and looking to establish themselves professionally in the country.

Building on the AAA Mentorship Blueprint

The programme uses the AAA (Access, Advocacy and Active Inclusion) Mentorship Programme Blueprint for Foreign-Born Creatives as one of its key references.

The blueprint was developed through an Erasmus+ project in 2024–2025, in which Globe Art Point collaborated with partner organisations in Denmark and France. The project focused on developing practical tools to increase diversity and inclusion in the European arts and culture sector.

GAP Svenska Mentorship combines the knowledge and approaches developed through the AAA Blueprint with the tested practices and experiences of GAP’s previous Peer to Peer programmes.

This provides a foundation for a mentorship model that focuses not only on professional development, but also on access, inclusion, cultural exchange and long-term peer support.

Mentorship and Mutual Learning

Participants will be paired with experienced Swedish-speaking professionals in the arts and culture sector who can offer guidance, professional insight and knowledge of the Finnish cultural field.

The programme follows the AAA Blueprint’s emphasis on mentors who bring creative leadership, cultural sensitivity and a genuine willingness to support the professional growth of others.

Mentorship will be based on bidirectional learning. While mentees gain knowledge, experience and professional guidance from their mentors, mentors also have an opportunity to learn from the perspectives, experiences and creative practices of the participating artists.

The programme therefore aims to create an environment of mutual inspiration and cultural exchange, helping to break down professional and cultural barriers while encouraging more inclusive and diverse practices in the arts.

Beyond Mentorship: Building Long-Term Networks

A key element of GAP Svenska Mentorship is the creation of lasting peer networks.

In addition to individual mentorship, participants will take part in partly facilitated peer groups bringing together Swedish-speaking and foreign-born artists. These groups will also connect with GAP Peer to Peer alumni, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and continued peer support.

The aim is to develop networks that can continue beyond the official end of the programme in spring 2027, supporting participants as they progress in their careers.

Who Is the Programme For?

GAP Svenska Mentorship is aimed at:

• Emerging foreign-born artists living in Finland.
• Emerging Swedish-speaking artists in Finland.
• Artists who are in the early stages of developing their professional careers.
• Artists seeking to better understand and access the Finnish arts and cultural sector.
• Artists interested in developing professional networks within the Swedish-speaking cultural environment.
• Artists who are committed to building their future and artistic careers in Finland.

The programme recognises that participants may come from different backgrounds and have different levels of experience. Some may be recent graduates, while others may have professional qualifications or experience gained outside Finland.

What Can Participants Gain?

Through the programme, mentees will have opportunities to:

• Gain practical knowledge about working professionally in Finland.
• Learn from experienced Swedish-speaking arts and culture professionals.
• Develop professional networks and connections.
• Explore career opportunities within the Finnish arts and cultural sector.
• Receive individual guidance and mentorship.
• Exchange knowledge and experiences with other emerging artists.
• Strengthen their understanding of the Swedish-speaking professional environment.
• Develop strategies for building a sustainable artistic career in Finland.
• Become part of a longer-term peer network connected to GAP and its alumni.

Programme Timeline

2026–2027

The mentorship programme will run for approximately one year, with activities continuing until spring 2027.

Mentee Applications

The official open call for mentees will be launched in late August 2026.

Artists interested in participating are encouraged to follow GAP’s communication channels and prepare for the upcoming application period.

More information about the application process, eligibility, selection criteria, programme structure and participating mentors will be published when the open call is launched.

A New Step in GAP’s Mentorship Work

GAP Svenska Mentorship represents the next development of Globe Art Point’s work to support international and diverse creative professionals in Finland.

By combining structured mentorship, peer learning, professional networking and intercultural exchange, the programme seeks to create practical pathways for emerging artists to access professional opportunities and develop sustainable careers in Finland.

The programme will also contribute to a broader development of GAP’s mentorship work, with future initiatives exploring connections beyond the arts and culture sector and creating opportunities for wider professional and cross-sector collaboration.

Follow GAP for the Open Call

Interested in becoming a mentee?

Keep an eye on GAP’s website, newsletter and social media channels.

The official GAP Svenska Mentorship 2026–2027 Mentee Open Call will be announced in August 2026.

More information will be published soon.