Craft Scotland launches new project in bid to help artists

Drawing on expertise and experience within the sector, Craft Scotland has launched a free online learning platform for makers.

The Open University-style offering is aimed at creating a place for them to learn and develop their practice as well as share their knowledge and be inspired by others.

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The first launch of content has been developed in collaboration with 18 experienced makers and industry experts, bringing together knowledge from across the sector into a comprehensive learning tool for the craft community.

It provides users with tailored advice and the flexibility to learn at their own pace, drawing from a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and business models.

Each course draws on real-life experience from makers including Laura Spring, Iseabal Hendry, Daniel Freyne, Angus Ross and Stefanie Ying Lin Cheong.

Craft Scotland director Irene Kernan said: “Working to support makers closely through our learning and development programme COMPASS, we have identified some of the key challenges makers are facing as well as exploring new ways to share the knowledge of Scotland’s craft community in an engaging and supportive way.

“We’re delighted to be able to make this invaluable knowledge more widely accessible so makers can strengthen their craft business wherever they are in the country at a time frame that suits them.

“By removing the most common barriers of cost, time availability and location, we hope COMPASS: Online will help contribute to building a more resilient craft economy in Scotland.

“As the programme develops, we will collaborate with new industry experts, makers and curators to create even more valuable resources to nurture a resilient and thriving craft sector.”

Designed to address the needs of Scotland’s craft community, the first set of courses have been created to support emerging makers and those in the early stages of their craft careers. The courses are: Beginning Your Maker Journey; Starting Your Craft Business; Setting Up Your Craft Studio; Routes to Market, and Finance for Makers.

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Videos related to craft businesses including financial forecasting and the Business Model Canvas. There’s an opportunity to learn about different routes to market and hear directly from makers about different approaches to selling and promoting their work.

Also included in the courses are inspiring Maker Journeys, sharing behind-the-scenes looks at makers’ practices and allowing participants to discover various ways others have set up studios and spaces for making.

COMPASS: Online has been launched with the support of the William Grant Foundation and Creative Scotland.