Creative Arts Business Network

Arts Development have recently launched a new project - Creative Arts Business Network (CABN) to support the creative arts sector in the Scottish Borders.

Based at Tower Mill in the Heart of Hawick, CABN will be running a series of networking and training events tailored to the creative sector, as well as looking to develop new initiatives within the creative arts, including grant funding. CABN also aims to raise the profile of the creative arts in the Borders. CABN will be working closely with key partners both locally and nationally to support the creative arts. These include:

• departments across Scottish Borders Council - primarily Arts Development and Economic Development and Planning

• Business Gateway – a key partner

• Scottish Arts Council

• Cultural Enterprise Office,

• Arts and Business

• WASPS Studios, who have a base in Selkirk.

CABN Project Manager Mary Morrison (mmorrison@scotborders.gov.uk) can be contacted for advice, and depending on what sort of support you require, can also signpost you to other organisations who can help you further. CABN will keep in touch with the sector via a newsletter, so get connected – contact CABN to be added to the mailing list.

Starter for 6 - On the road!

A pioneering programme to support creative entrepreneurs will travel Scotland with a series of Roadshow events to help potential applicants understand more about the programme, if it is for them and how to apply prior to the 2 February deadline. Participants on the programme receive training and coaching to bid for grants of up to £10,000, alongside structured business growth and planning advice. The Roadshow will visit Tower Mill, Heart of Hawick, Kirkstile on the afternoon of Thursday 21 January 2010 and anyone interested in attending should visit www.culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk/starterfor6 for further details or call 0844 544 9990.

New Grant Awards Scheme for Artists and Makers in the Scottish Borders

CABN recently launched new Grant Awards for Artists and Makers in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council. The scheme is similar to successful schemes run by other local authorities in Scotland which have made a significant impact on the creative development of artists and makers work.

This awards scheme is a first for the Scottish Borders, and is aimed at giving visual artists and makers an opportunity to develop their creative practice. The application process is very straightforward, and grants are available of between £75-£1000.

Examples of the areas where artists and makers can apply for funding are:

Research and development costs for a new project
Travel and subsistence costs to enable attendance at symposiums and masterclasses
Costs of preparing exhibitions
Advancing skills and developing ideas
Purchase of equipment and time in the studio to work on new project work

There will be 2 funding calls throughout 2009-2010. The deadlines for applications are: 4 September 2009 and 20 January 2010. You will be informed of the outcome of your application within 3 weeks of the closing deadlines.

There are two separate award strands - one for visual artists and one for craft makers. Application forms, guidance and top tips for applying are below:

For more information and/or advice please contact Mary Morrison or call 01450 360689.

Bridge Builders – new directory of artists and cultural providers

Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) Arts Development is calling on all artists and organisations who can work in educational settings to sign up to a new directory called ‘Bridge Builders’. The directory will be a reference tool for teachers and community groups who are looking to develop partnerships with artists or cultural providers to provide learning opportunities. Arts Development Staff would like to encourage all artists, organisations and cultural providers to email their details to be included in the directory.

Download Bridge Builder Appliction Form MS Word Version

Further information and forms are available from: Susanne Batchelor sbatchelor@scotborders.gov.uk or Mary Morrison mmorrison@scotborders.gov.uk or by calling 01450 360689.