Spotlight On CCG Members :- Miss Louise Smith
May, 1 2019
~~A child with an interest in the arts will inevitably find a career in this domain as an adult. This month’s ‘Spotlight on CCG Members’ achieved this and has become an inspiring woman to many who know her. Let us learn more about Miss Louise Smith.
Louise was brought up in Preston, Lancashire. By the time she’d reached her late teenage years she knew exactly what she wanted to study at University. She graduated with a degree in Ceramics, Metal and Print.
After University life she returned to more familiar territory in her Community Arts work. It was here where she became a key figure in three organisations:-
• PRESCAP (Preston Community Arts Partnership)
• Curious Minds
• Arts Development Assistant for Wyre Borough Council.
By the year 2012 Louise had a yearning to spread her wings. She moved to the more bigger city, Edinburgh. She made some huge strides here as she established ‘Process Studios’, a community workshop and artist studio, she managed to raise over £100K through grants and crowdfunding.
Throughout the next five years as managing director, Louise successfully accomplished jaw – dropping things:-
• Over 3000 people participated in courses
• The studios supported over 200 professional makers to start or grow their businesses
• The workshops had over 100 community members
As managing director of Process Studios, Louise capitalised on her role by developing a number of long-term partnerships with community groups and higher education, working with these partners to deliver regular projects, including projects with NEET young people and adults in recovery.
In addition to all these excellent achievements, Louise found the time to play an important part in a number of organisations. She sat on the Craft Scotland steering group 'Innovation in Craft Education', the selection panel for the Edinburgh Science Festival Mini Maker Fair and the selection panel for the NESTA Enterprise program 'Starter for 6'.
Two years ago, Louise garnered the trust, respect and appreciation of her work colleagues. Janine Matheson, Director of Creative Edinburgh (the regional development agency for the creative industries) spoke proudly of Louise in this moving and affectionate quote:-
"I have been consistently inspired by Louise's commitment and drive building and developing Process Studios. Through her work she has successfully amplified the impact and value of craft. Process Studios offered invaluable opportunities for both the sector and the wider community...To build an organisation from scratch as Louise did you have to be incredibly motivated, have unwavering vision and possess resilience and tenacity in quantity."
Now in 2019, the CCG is eternally grateful for her decision to be a member. We look forward to discovering how we can learn from her influential talent. Welcome, Miss Louise Smith.
^Alex Ashworth.
