At Tara for Women, we understand that mentorship can be a game-changer for emerging artists, providing guidance, support, and the tools needed to succeed. That’s why our mentorship program is at the core of our mission—connecting emerging talents with seasoned professionals who can guide them toward their goals.

Today, we’re excited to share the inspiring story of Irene Trapote, a rising artist whose journey was supported by both her mentor and Tara for Women. Irene’s work, deeply engaged with themes of territorial management, environmental knowledge, and non-hegemonic narratives, has gained significant recognition. She is now stepping into a new chapter of her artistic careeer.

In this interview, Irene shares how her mentor, Yudinela, and the financial backing from Tara for Women helped her overcome challenges, grow as an artist, and continue to push the boundaries of her creative practice.

Curious to hear more about Irene’s experience and the impact of mentorship? Let’s dive in!

Can you share an example of a moment when you felt particularly supported by your mentor or the foundation?

On one hand, I was lucky to have Yudinela as my mentor. She specializes in artistic management and has a deep sensitivity toward textile and feminist art. Having her professional opinion throughout the entire process was incredibly helpful. On the other hand, Tara’s financial support made it possible for me to continue producing artwork during the mentorship months, which led to a solo exhibition that I am very proud of and which is opening doors for me to continue pursuing my artistic practice.

How did your mentor and Tara for Women help you overcome specific challenges in your artistic journey?

Yudinela was there for me every step of the way, helping me address the challenges and questions that arose throughout the process. She also helped me organize production expenses and budgets, advising me on how to manage the foundation’s funding efficiently.

What kind of advice did your mentor or the foundation give you that was particularly helpful or motivating?

Both Yudinela and the Foundation encouraged me to complement my artistic project with other activities that, without straying from my line of work, would help me stabilize financially as an artist. Now, while I still focus on my more conceptual projects, I’m also dedicating myself to craftsmanship and teaching.

What was the most important skill you gained through the mentorship that helped you grow as an artist?

As a young, emerging artist, I had never received funding to carry out professional artistic production before. Throughout this process, I learned how to manage and apply for budgets, organize expenses and invoices, and anticipate potential problems or conflicts.

How did the mentorship and the foundation empower you as an artist?

First of all, being selected as a winner gave me a huge boost of confidence, which is something I really needed at the beginning, as cultural work can be mentally exhausting. The financial assistance included in the award allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my artistic practice, leaving behind precarious jobs and focusing all my time on my own projects. This was important because when you’re forced to work in a field unrelated to culture, it becomes even harder not only to continue researching or producing work but also to submit these projects to calls (and if you don’t push your projects forward, they won’t go anywhere). We need time and space to create, and this process gave me that.

What would you say to other artists who are considering joining the Tara For Women mentorship program?

For me, the most important part of this process was the support. Sometimes, pushing cultural projects forward can be a lonely task, and simply having professionals from the cultural and management sectors listen to you and help you see things from a different perspective makes it easier to keep moving forward.

Mentorship and Artistic Growth: Irene Trapote’s Journey