Youth Arts Queensland invites young and emerging artists from across Australia to make their artistic match and apply for the 2012 JUMP national mentoring program from 22 August.

Funded by the Australia Council for the Arts, JUMP identifies and promotes excellence in artistic practice for artists aged 18 – 30 who are in the first five years of their professional career.

Potential applicants should identify a leading arts professional of their choice to help them accelerate their career through a one-on-one mentoring relationship. As Australia’s largest artist mentoring program, in 2012 JUMP offers its highest number of mentorship places yet, with up to 80 positions available nationally.

Julie Woodward, CEO of Youth Arts Queensland, urges artists from all fields to apply.

“From international mentorships to close working relationships in regional communities, JUMP offers young artists a unique framework for developing the skills they really need to take their career to the next level.” said Julie Woodward.

“It’s amazing to watch the JUMP network grow – these young artists truly are the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

Updated FAQs and 2012 application forms will be available from the JUMP website from 22 August 2011.

Applications close 28 October 2011.

JUMP is managed nationally by Youth Arts Queensland in collaboration with State and Territory Delivery Partners.

Artists with any accessibility requirements or questions not covered by the FAQs are encouraged to contact JUMP’s partner organisation in their home state/territory: Youth Arts Queensland (QLD); Carclew Youth Arts (SA); Propel Youth Arts WA (WA); CarriageWorks (NSW); Melbourne Fringe (VIC); Canberra Contemporary Art Space (ACT); Corrugated Iron (NT) and Contemporary Art Spaces Tasmania (TAS).