AAH Mentoring Programme
Overview
The Association for Art History Mentoring Programme supports meaningful, supportive connections across academic life. Whether you are navigating post-PhD blues, establishing your early-career professional profile, or looking to transition into senior roles, this programme offers a space for reflection, advice, and professional growth. The programme is intended to be light-touch, low-pressure, and manageable for both mentors and mentees.
Who Can Take Part
Mentees
Anyone at any academic or professional stage seeking guidance, confidence, or perspective. Mentees must be AAH Members to take part.
Mentors
Colleagues at any stage of their career with experience to share.
Programme Timeline
- Applications close: Sunday 31 May 2026
- Matches confirmed: By 31 July 2027
- Programme runs: October 2026 – July 2027
- Recommended commitment: Three 1-hour meetings across the academic year (online or in person)
Matching Criteria
Matching is usually undertaken by the appropriate AAH committee – e.g. the Higher Education Committee or Curatorial Committee. When matching mentors and mentees, we consider:
- Academic stage – ensuring the pairing makes sense for the guidance sought
- Research interests and subject areas – broad alignment rather than exact specialism
- Professional goals – what the mentee wants to work on and what the mentor feels comfortable supporting
- Experience and strengths – e.g., post-PhD transitions, publishing, teaching, leadership
- Meeting preferences – online/in-person, general availability
- Access needs – to ensure the pairing is workable and inclusive
What to Expect as a Mentee
- A supportive space to discuss goals, challenges, and next steps
- A commitment of three 1-hour meetings
- Guidance on navigating academic or career transitions
- Perspective on research development, teaching, publishing, or career planning
- A mentor who listens, shares experience, and helps you reflect on your professional development
- Responsibility for initiating contact and scheduling meetings
- No expectation of feedback on written research
What to Expect as a Mentor
- A commitment of three 1-hour meetings
- A mentee who has articulated their goals in advance
- The opportunity to support someone at an earlier stage
- No expectation to provide supervision, editing, or extensive feedback
- Encouragement to share experience, ask questions, and help mentees clarify their next steps
Boundaries and Good Practice
- Mentoring is not academic supervision, therapy, or a route to employment
- Meetings should take place in professional settings (online or public spaces)
- Confidentiality should be respected
- Both parties should agree on communication norms early on
- Either participant may end the relationship if it becomes unproductive
Support from the AAH
- A match by the end of July, or notification if a match was not possible
- An email of introduction
- A point of contact for issues or rematch requests
- A single end-of-programme feedback form
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do mentors need to be specialists in my exact research area?
- No. Matching is based on broad alignment and shared experience, not narrow specialism.
- Can we meet more than three times?
- Yes, if both parties agree. Three meetings is the recommendation.
- What if the match doesn’t work?
- You can request a rematch after the first meeting.
- Is there a cost to participate?
- No, the programme is free for participants.
- Can I be both a mentor and a mentee?
- Yes, participants are welcome to take on both roles at any stage of their career.
Deadline: 31 May 2026