CPD and mentoring for artists in the early stages of their careers

Working in partnership with a arts organisation- Artists and Education, the School of Art and Design have developed a number of short courses /stand alone modules that can be accredited towards an MA in fine art. These courses are an opportunity for recent graduates or artists returning to the profession after a career break, to focus on the professional aspects of their practice. The overall aim is to create a climate and framework that will enable them to pursue their practice and gain arts related employment. The ethos of the training is one that promotes interaction between peers, stimulates dialogues surrounding participant’s experiences, creates a forum for debate and introduces key concepts surrounding the issues facing freelance artists. We believe that artists, by their nature are entrepreneurial and we are looking to maximise this by giving artists the skills and confidence needed to become self-employed. Topics include responding to proposals for exhibitions or residency opportunities, portfolio and artist’s C.V development, working in educational settings, workshop planning, fundraising and marketing. As well as the designated teaching days there are a number of other opportunities including shadowing of professional artists, Studio visits and the organising of group exhibitions