Future programmes

Portfolio; Injection and Artistic Licence are open to makers who already have developed a practice, tested the market and have a strong making voice. These programmes provide the opportunity for makers to take their practices on to new levels through a range of options when they feel it is relevant.

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  Portfolio

  Portfolio working is the norm in the craft sector and for many makers professional practice comprises several activities. Through this programme we aim to provide entry routes into additional strands of working. The first phase of this programme will enable makers to gain skills and training towards working within a range of educational environments.

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  Injection: Crafts Council business development scheme

  Makers place a high value on business support. Many find current provision patchy across the country or are unable to make full use of this, often due to time constraints. Very few makers allow for any kind of training budget within their business planning, however, they do invest time into various forms of professional development or research. Research shows there is great potential for business growth within the contemporary craft sector.
  
  This Crafts Council programme will provide a tailored approach with in-depth mentoring to makers requiring business development. Each application round will benefit up to 10 makers over an 18 month period. Its aim is to assist practices of the highest calibre creatively to develop equally strong business acumen and encourage further economic growth within the sector. Successful recipients will be selected and monitored against stringent business testing criteria and will be supported to build a business case towards their particular ambition.

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  Artistic Licence: Crafts Council creative development scheme

  We recognise that craft knowledge, processes and skills are a core asset to the sector. This programme will enable makers to test and challenge existing parameters of their making practice with the opportunity to take risk. Based on the Crafts Council’s own Spark Plug model, applicants will be invited to submit exceptional ideas that will define and push boundaries of their own contemporary craft practice. There will be up to five Awards per round lasting for a maximum 18 month period. The Crafts Council will follow the story of each individual’s journey, which will be encapsulated as a body of knowledge for future recipients and the sector.

For more information on these programmes as they are launched, sign up to our e bulletin