Louise Smith
Location: Preston | UK
Louise grew up in Preston and after graduating from a degree in Ceramics, Metal and Print returned to work in Community Arts; she delivered many projects with PRESCAP (Preston Community Arts Partnership) and Curious Minds and worked as Arts Development Assistant for Wyre Borough Council.
In 2012 Louise moved to Edinburgh and established ‘Process Studios’, a community workshop and artist studio, raising over £100K through grants and crowdfunding. During her five years as managing director over 3000 people participated in courses, the studios supported over 200 professional makers to start or grow their businesses and the workshops had over 100 community members.
As managing director of Process Studios Louise developed 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.
Louise 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'.
"I have known Louise for three and a half years as director of Process Studios, which was a vital addition to the craft sector in Scotland providing essential facilities, support and mentoring...It was a unique model in that it took a holistic approach to the support makers needed to develop their creative practice.
The support network was invaluable especially to those early in their careers. But what made this venture really stand out was the concern for quality of work and professionalism."
2017 Fiona Logue, Director of Craft Scotland (the national development body for craft in Scotland)
"I have been consistently inspired by Louise's commitment and drive building and developing Process Studios. Through her work she has sucessfully amplified the impact and value of craft. Proces 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."
2017 Janine Matheson, Director of Creative Edinburgh (the regional development agency for the creative industries)
