Crafts Council Hothouse - Open For Applications

Aug, 17 2018

~Four years ago you may have graduated from University or have just begun working in your field of expertise. You have specialised your studies that hone in on your artistic potential or you may be working as an independent designer in a self employed business. Whatever your circumstances the following information will be applicable to you.

Crafts Council Hothouse is a programme of creative and business development opportunities delivered over a 6 month period for talented makers at the start of their career.

Established in 2010 it has gone on to create beneficial and sustainable installations for  Selfridges, Burberry Makers House, exhibit at Design Miami Basel, Milan Design Week, London Fashion Week, win awards and commissions at the Eden Project, Aspex Plymouth and Nottingham Castle, and fulfil artistic residencies at the British Library amongst others.

This is how the 2018 programme could help you, it has a very broad definition of craft. They are open to a range of disciplines, materials and ideas. Commitment and a desire to succeed is essential to completing this course.

As mentioned at the outset you need to be a maker, a designer, or an artist, but making, primarily in 3-D.  You also need to show initiative which will be demonstrated in your ability due to being self taught, your time at University or as an apprentice, but you will you have started your practice or business within the last four years.

The materials you use could include clay, metal, wood, willow, stone, paper, textile, glass, leather, gems, plastics or even new ones you have developed yourself, but you will show skill and understanding in how you work with those materials.

The processes you use could be traditional or innovative (including digital), but you will bring a contemporary perspective to your practice, and show a high level of skill in your work.

In order to apply you have to create a Crafts Council website account – once logged in you will see the Hothouse application. You will be able to submit part of your application by video if you have difficulties with written application forms and you will be able to save it as you go along. You can find access to this link by visiting the Creative Lancashire website. Apply online by 7 September 2018

The programme is reaching out to applicants all over the country whatever their previous background or recent professional qualifications. In addition they welcome under-represented groups in craft, this could be black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and/or as disabled will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria for the Hothouse programme

Here is how one person felt in reflection to how the course personally affected  them,

“It was the best thing I could have done at the time and I don't think I would have managed to keep my business going for the last five years without everything I was taught back then.”

The programme includes group workshops, a residential course and 1:1 mentoring which will run from February to July 2019.

Get some much needed help and assistance as you begin your artistic field of employment.

Crafts Council Hothouse - Open for Applications
Hothouse supports talented makers at the start of their career

^Alex Ashworth.