Do you have ambitions to be an arts reviewer but don’t know where to begin?
The 2025 Helpmann Academy InReview Mentorship seeks to develop the next generation of arts reviewers and rebuild the practice of robust discourse and analysis of South Australian performing and visual arts.
The mentoring program – now in its fifth year – is a partnership between Helpmann Academy and InReview, that connects experienced arts writers with emerging voices to strengthen editorial coverage of arts and culture in South Australia.
This partnership is facilitated through InReview, a unique non-profit arts journalism project designed to nurture professional arts reviewing in Australia, particularly for areas in which the practice is under threat. InReview publishes free-to-access reviews and journalism every week for the benefit of the arts sector, audiences, and the community, covering the full breadth of arts and culture practices.
The successful mentee will be matched with an InReview mentor and will work with them across all aspects of review writing and provide career advice. The mentorship will be conducted over eight hours per week between Monday 12 May to Monday 21 July 2025. Throughout the program, the mentee will build their skills to produce multiple reviews for publication in InReview.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to attend and review a range of creative events i.e. Illuminate Adelaide, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, State Theatre and State Opera seasons, UKARIA concerts and exhibitions at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
This mentorship program is designed for emerging creatives from any background who have an interest in arts writing. You must be a graduate from an eligible program at one of Helpmann Academy’s partner institutions.
“The Helpmann Academy and InReview Mentorship has been an invaluable experience, helping me develop the skills and confidence needed for a career in arts reviewing and communication. Working closely with my mentor, Jane, I refined my writing and critical thinking abilities, gained a deeper understanding of how to craft compelling reviews, and explored new career possibilities in arts journalism and freelancing.” – Brooke Ferguson, 2024 InReview Mentorship Recipient
“At the beginning of the mentorship, I was hesitant. Most of my past professional development opportunities were offered by organisations that specialise in working with culturally and linguistically diverse artists; and most of my mentors were women of colour. I was afraid my perspectives would not be understood… those doubts quickly vanished when I published my first review with InReview. Both Samela Harris and Suzie Keen were kind and supportive.” – Nicky Tsz Tung Li, 2023 InReview Mentorship Recipient
KEY DATES
Applications OPEN on Friday 14 March
Applications CLOSE on Monday 28 April at 11:59pm
INTERVIEWS Monday 5 May
For activity occurring between Monday 12 May to Monday 21 July 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Helpmann Academy: (08) 7089 0720 / info@helpmannacademy.com.au
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Image: Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2023, Opening Night. Photography by Jack Fenby.