ABOUT

Our expectations

• a high degree of commitment and competence from the Student to ensure they make a realistic contribution to the Mentor Potter.
• a high degree of commitment from the Mentor Potter to share knowledge and skills by a means that is accessible to the student. The Student will learn from both direct teaching and from observation of good practice in a studio.
• the Student will learn and develop the necessary skills required to establish their own career and business.
• the Student will agree to assist FOPO (if possible) to promote the placements at fundraising events (or similar) during the placement year
• Where practical, the Student and Mentor Potter will be asked to donate works to assist in fundraising for the Foster a Potter program. Expectations would be that a student may donate up to 25 mugs (or similar items) and a Mentor Potter may donate a significant original work that will be sold at a fundraising event with all proceeds going to Foster A Potter.

Requirements for Students

• to identify the Mentor Potter with whom they would like to work and to gain their consent to make a joint application for funding.
• to define what it is they want to learn from the Mentor Potter.
• to complete the form with the Mentor Potter and submit a CV and 5 images of their work.
• to hold appropriate public and product liability insurance cover for the placement.
• to be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status.

Note to Students

By submitting the application the student is:
• confirming that they have completed good basic training in ceramics, eg Diploma of Ceramics, or similar; or they can confirm a reasonable knowledge and experience of working with clay
• committing to work with the Mentor Potter in a studio for the period specified in the application
• committing to the requirements outlined
• prepared to donate 25 mugs (or similar) to help raise funds to support future FOPO placements.
• prepared to participate at fundraising events during their placement year

Requirements for Mentor Potters

• to complete the form with the Student and submit a CV and 5 images
• to hold appropriate public and product liability insurance cover for the placement
• to provide a safe working environment
• to provide suitable safety equipment, eg. masks and gloves when mixing glazes
• to provide tuition, comment and guidance for the Student when working with them in a studio, or through scheduled virtual communications if working remotely
• to allow sufficient time for the student to make their own work during the period specified in the application
• to ensure that the Student is punctual and committed and advise FOPO directors if the Student is absent from work for a protracted period to the detriment of the placement
• to be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status.

Note to Mentor Potters

By submitting the application, the Mentor Potter is:
• confirming that they are unable to financially support a full-time apprentice
• committing to work with the Student in a studio (or alternative agreed environment) during the period specified in the application
• committing to the requirements outlined
• prepared to donate a significant piece to FOSTER A POTTER to help raise funds to support future FOPO placements.

Identifying a Mentor Potter

As part of a FOPO application, it is important for the Student to define what it is they want to learn, i.e. their interest in terms of skills and techniques, etc. The placement is intended to add to the Student’s knowledge and skills, so it is recommended the Student carefully researches Mentor Potters to ensure they can assist the student to realise their ambitions.

We recommend that the Student gains familiarity with the ceramics community in Australia by reading The Journal of Australian Ceramics, becoming a member of The Australian Ceramics Association, following @australianceramics and #australianceramics on Instagram. It is invaluable to visit exhibitions and open studio events to meet artists and see work in person.

NOTE:
FOSTER A POTTER has certain requirements that it expects the Mentor Potter to observe. The Student must ensure these requirements are discussed with, and agreed to by, the chosen Mentor Potter.

Requirements for an application

• The Student is expected to identify the Mentor Potter with whom they would like to work and to gain the consent of the Mentor Potter to make a joint application for funding (see Identifying a Mentor Potter)
• Educational qualifications are desired but not essential. It is important that a reasonable knowledge and experience of working with clay is required so that the Student can make a positive contribution to the mentor potter.
• There is no age limit on the Student or Mentor Potter and every application is considered on its own merit.
• Both applicants must be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status.
• Once the Student has established an agreement with the Mentor Potter, the application form can be completed by both the Student and the Mentor Potter, then submitted as one application.
• As part of the application, the Student is required to submit a CV and 5 images of recent work.
• As part of the application, the Mentor Potter is required to submit a CV and 5 images of recent work.
• Applications must be made using the FOPO application form which can be accessed via the website link.

Like to donate?

Account name: Foster A Potter Ltd
BSB: 062516
Account no: 10475069
Please give your name when depositing and send a transaction receipt to fosterapotter@gmail.com.
NOTE: Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. See below re.DGR status.
Please request a receipt if you intend to claim a tax deduction, by emailing fosterapotter@gmail.com.

Details

FOSTER A POTTER LTD is a registered public company, limited by guarantee, under the Corporations Act 2001. It is registered in Queensland. FOSTER A POTTER LTD is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient and can accept donations that can then be deducted from the donor’s income tax. This means when a donor makes a gift or contribution to FOSTER A POTTER (an endorsed charity), the donor may be able to claim a tax deduction. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.
FOSTER A POTTER is listed on the Australian Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations.
Directors: Vicki Grima, Susie McIntosh and Jean McMaster
ACN: 669 975 026 ABN: 62 669 975 026