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Guidelines for Applicants Hothouse 6

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Contents: …………..Contents Page 3 ………….Introduction Page 4…………..Overview of the programme Page 5 - 6………Eligibility Page 7…………..Criteria for assessment and application process Page 8……..........Image guidelines Page 9 - 16…......Hothouse 6 Industry Partners Page 17 - 21……FAQs


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Introduction Are you an emerging craft maker? The Crafts Council Learning and Talent Development Team – in partnership with a range of universities, galleries, makers’ networks and professional development agencies – is inviting applications for Hothouse: an intensive programme especially tailored for contemporary makers who want to run a sustainable craft practice. Who is it for? Hothouse provides emerging makers who have set up their practice in the last 3 years with a programme of focussed, intensive business and creative development, complemented with 1:1 support over a six month period. We want passionate people who demonstrate the most potential to commit to, and succeed in, their craft practice. Hothouse is also a great chance to develop your peer group and professional network. We’re looking for driven individuals who’ll share their experiences with talented like-minded makers and be proactive in tapping into expertise and additional opportunities offered by our excellent range of industry partners – all leaders in the contemporary craft sector.

Hothouse forms one strand of Crafts Council COLLECTIVE, the Crafts Council’s Professional and Business Development programme for makers. For more information on COLLECTIVE visit www.craftscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do What is it? The Hothouse programme consists of group sessions on developing business skills, market knowledge and creativity delivered in different areas across England and Scotland; a series of

networking events bringing together all Hothouse 6 cohorts and 1-2-1 sessions with a mentor from the sector.

This is the sixth intake of Hothouse which has already supported 163 exceptional makers across eighteen cohorts. Past participants have gone on to use the skills and confidence gained through the programme as a launch pad to developing their individual and collective profiles.

Hothouse 6 has 46 places available in four cohorts across England and Scotland. Each cohort in England will have between ten and fourteen participants and a smaller cohort in Scotland will support six participants. The programme will run from February to July 2016.

How much does it cost? A place on the Hothouse programme costs the Crafts Council more than £3000 per participant. Applicants are asked to pay a non-refundable application admin fee of £15.00.

Those applicants who are selected onto the programme are required to pay a programme fee of £180. More information on fees can be found on page 7.

Hothouse benefits Hothouse will provide makers with the knowledge and skills to:

Understand a creative practice as a business and be able to set relevant goals

Build a professional development plan, and understand the sequential steps needed to take this forward

Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks in relation to those goals

Develop an understanding of potential markets and how to develop products or bodies of work in relation to these

Gain confidence in presenting and profiling themselves and their practice

Source and use appropriate networks and opportunities, and take part in a national peer group of exceptional makers. Closing date for applications is Tuesday 11th August 2015.


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Overview of the programme The Hothouse programme is tailor-made to support those in early-stages of practice. The core programme is delivered in eight sessions over six months in the regional areas, led by expert trainers and experienced practicing makers. Programme sessions last a full day (usually 10am until 5pm) and may be consecutive. Each individual cohort is provided with sessions* on: Designing your future

Structuring and prioritising where you are now and where you want to be

Business modelling part one An introduction to and an overview of business models and how to apply them to your craft practice

Presenting yourself How to verbally and physically present yourself and your craft

Creative thinking Critically thinking about your work as a group and as individuals

Market and audience development Understanding your markets, branding and how to do develop an audience for your work

Your finances How to price your work and time, planning cashflow and forecasting

Business modelling part two A follow up from business modelling part 1 including 1-to-1 time with a business trainer and group action learning

Final review Verbally presenting your current craft practice and future goals to your cohort with a selected panel

The 46 makers from all cohorts will form a national peer group, which will come together at key points for: An induction day A two day residential networking day A reflection day

*sessions may be subject to change.

In addition each participant receives: Six hours (one hour per month) of 1-to-1

mentoring from a relevant specialist Participants are expected to:

Commit to attending all programme sessions over the period February to July 2016, an average of 2-3 days per month, over the period of the programme

Commit to travel to take part, where necessary Cover all their own expenses Prioritise and diarise programme sessions, pre-

book travel, and arrange accommodation if necessary, on confirmation of exact dates and locations of training. These will be provided before the programme commences

Use their current work as the basis for learning during the programme, and commit to being active in their practice between sessions

Prepare for and follow up on sessions Complete evaluation and reflective learning

questionnaires promptly following each session Act as advocates for Hothouse, the Crafts

Council and its industry partners (further detail on each of the industry partners can be found on pages 10 - 16).

Hothouse participants may be asked to take part in additional professional development and networking events. They may also be asked by the Hothouse 6 industry partners to contribute to their own programmes, for example by giving talks or presentations to students or membership networks about their practice and participation in Hothouse. During the programme additional opportunities for individuals or cohorts may be offered by the Crafts Council and its industry partners. Uptake of additional training, networking events, showcasing opportunities, use of space or specialist equipment that may be offered by the industry partners is optional, and may in some instances be chargeable.

Following completion of the Hothouse programme participants are expected to act as advocates for the programme. This might be as a mentor for later cohorts, or to present their experiences to other aspiring makers.


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Eligibility

Hothouse supports makers working in a broad manner within the contemporary craft sector. The work must be directed towards the audience or marketplace for contemporary craft. We do not prioritise traditional or heritage craftwork that seeks to reproduce or restore. Materials: Applicants can be working in a range of materials including:

wood or wood products (including paper) metal ceramics glass plastics leather organic materials stone textiles

Techniques/production methods: Applicants may also be using a range of techniques and production methods including:

handmade small batch production digital technology

Applications are welcome from those who are using manufacturers however the applicant must maintain personal control over the whole of the making process, with an exploration, understanding of, and direct connection to materials used. Fashion or interior designers can only be considered in the context of textile making. Creation or manipulation of the fabric i.e. weaving, knitting, printing or embroidery must be central to the practice and followed through to create a product or body of work. Garments must be constructed from your own material.

This is not an exhaustive list of materials or production methods and those working in other materials/methods may also be eligible. We do not offer support to:

Those solely sampling or designing for production and manufacture, or prototyping for industry. Work presented and marketed under the name of the maker must be central to all practices, even if the individual also engaged in other related activity to complement this (i.e. freelance design work)

Fine artists, illustrators, photographers, and printmakers working primarily in 2D

Surface pattern or print designers who apply surface design to anything other than their own

original products, such as commercially available ‘blanks’.

Examples of past participants of the Hothouse programme may be a guide to the kinds of practice which are eligible. Information on past recipients of Hothouse can be found at: www.craftscouncil.org.uk/hothouse

To be eligible to apply for Hothouse, applicants must: Have completed their studies or training,

although applicants require no formal education to apply and we welcome applications from second careerists.

Have practiced for no more than three years, or be about to start practicing. The following may be used to determine when you began your practice:

- The date you completed your training

- The date you registered at the Tax Office

- The date when you first exhibited your work publicly (since completing study, and not including degree related shows)

live, work and have unlimited leave to remain

in the UK. Hothouse can only support participants living and working in England and Scotland due to how it is funded

Have the intention of developing a self-employed craft practice as their principal occupation. It is not expected that the practice should currently be the sole or main income stream but there should be commitment to a long-term aim to spend the major part of the working week on the practice.


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Eligibility continued…

Applicants should note that: There are no requirements as to the structure of

the business. Partnerships are eligible to apply so long as all partners are involved in the creative and making process, and the work submitted with the application is made by and identified as that of the partnership, rather than the individuals. Names, training and work experience must be given for all individuals in the partnership in the application. Any additional C.V’s can be emailed to [email protected] if necessary. If you are unsure if your partnership is eligible to apply please contact the Learning and Talent Development Team

There is no minimum or maximum age limit They do not have to be living or working in the

region in which a cohort is delivered, providing

they can make practicable arrangements to attend and participate fully in Hothouse

Travel or relocation is at participants’ expense

That they can apply for Hothouse if they have been previously unsuccessful as long as they remain eligible however it advised that candidates submit a new selection of images. The panel will look for evidence of understanding and action taken in response to any feedback given following an earlier unsuccessful interview.

For all queries regarding eligibility please seek clarification from the Learning and Talent Development Team at the Crafts Council at [email protected].


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Criteria for assessment and application processThe following criteria are applied to all Hothouse applications: Quality of making: Originality; quality of development of ideas;

evidence of a strong personal making style in the work

Quality of making; an exploration, understanding of, and direct connection to materials used

Control of production process; i.e. making own prototypes and having control over the production of the finished item.

Your craft business: Commitment to the development of a craft-

based practice and business An openness to advancing your own

professional development through contributing fully to the Hothouse programme

A potential to combine innovative and creative ideas with entrepreneurial acumen and the ambition to grow the practice and business

Evidence of steps taken towards the establishment of a craft practice and business. E.g. having sought business advice, mentoring or relevant work experience, engaged with networks in the craft sector, considered options for setting up in a studio/workshop or access to facilities to produce the work

Consideration and understanding of the context and sector in which the work will be placed.

Application & Selection process: Application form Applicants must: indicate their preference in order of 1 to 4 (1

being most favourable) of which cohort they wish to be placed in, this will be discussed further at interview

make their application using the online form on the Crafts Council website by creating an account

check the image guidelines and upload images in the correct size and format (see Image guidelines page 8)

Note that submission of the online application form (and upload attachments) is final

When applicants click ‘submit’ on completing the form, they will receive an email with a payment link where they can pay the £15 application fee. Applicants will be able to log into their account via the Crafts Council website and view the status of their application.

Application Fee The fee for applications is £15. The application fee is non-refundable (including if the application is deemed ineligible) and goes towards the administration costs for processing the applications and the selection procedure. All applicants to Hothouse are eligible for a 20% discount to a subscription of Crafts magazine which can be accessed via the application login page via a link. Failure to comply with the application procedure or make the application fee will result in the application not being considered. VAT is not chargeable on your fees.

Programme fee: Those selected to participate in Hothouse will make an additional contribution to the programme of £180. The fee includes a free profile within the new Crafts Council Directory and can be paid in monthly instalments. The contribution supports our continued development of programmes with the value of the Hothouse scheme in excess of £3000 per participant. Selection Process: Stage One: Applications are assessed using the images and information provided on the application form, with an emphasis on the image captions to describe the work. It is crucial that the images show the work to its best advantage and descriptive captions are completed. Stage Two: If your application is successful at the shortlisting stage you will be asked to attend a short interview, to which you will bring examples of your work. The interview will take place at the Crafts Council in London for the England Cohorts and in Central Edinburgh for the Scotland Cohort (location tbc) you must cover your own travel costs to attend the interview. The selection panel will be made up of: Representatives from the Crafts Council (and

Craft Scotland for the Scotland cohort) Industry partner representatives a previous Hothouse participant

An experienced professional craft maker

Neither the Crafts Council Learning and Talent Development Team nor representatives of our industry partners are able to meet candidates personally to discuss an application.

Application Dates Closing date for applications is Tuesday 11th August 2015

Interviews will take place during late September – October 2015


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Image guidelines Accepted image formats & sizes: must be in digital format and in either .jpg, .gif,

or .png format must be at least 500x500 pixels and should be

72dpi has to be less than 8 megabytes in size You will not be able to upload oversized images What we look for in images: Images must depict recent work and the

majority of work must have been made in the last three years. Images showing details of objects are acceptable, but at least four different pieces of work must be shown in total

Files of CAD rendered images are acceptable but should make up no more than two of the six images submitted. Evidence of production or making in finished materials should be shown

Descriptions of the work in each image must be given including materials used, approximate dimensions, date and where made, indicating clearly whether work was made during or since completion of training

The selection panel will view your images both online and through a digital projector. At the shortlisting stage of application the panel will focus on the images and the image captions. Therefore the image description should include brief information about the piece which is not obvious and that you consider may be of interest, e.g. is it a commission or a site specific project, is it part of a collection or series, what is the artistic intent of the piece or any unusual or innovative aspects of the process or materials.

Image tips: A clear plain background in white or grey is

often best to allow the selection panel to see the work clearly

Is your image sharp and in focus? A poor quality image can be a reason for not being selected. Make sure the image isn’t too dark or light

Work is judged on quality, originality and consistency – showing a personal making style, or ‘voice’. Do your images form a consistent body of work?

You may wish to show close up of detail, especially for work with fine or detailed surface

Fashion accessories, garments or jewellery may sometimes be best shown worn on a model but make sure but make sure the image focuses on the product not the model

Be aware of over-styling the image – the panel should be able to clearly see what is your work and what is not

Be aware heavy use of Photoshop can be detrimental to how the image is understood and so may not best represent your work

Get a friend or another maker to look at your images. Make sure it is as clear as possible what your work is made of, its scale and volume, surface texture or pattern etc. – do they see what you see?

See the FAQs section for further guidance on resizing your images.


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Hothouse 6 industry partners

The Hothouse 6 industry partners offer a wealth of combined experience in professional development and training programme initiatives, craft retail and exhibiting, networks, profiling and presentation for makers, and business and enterprise initiatives.

Each Hothouse 6 industry partner will contribute to the programme with either specialist knowledge or resources to compliment the core programme.

The Crafts Council will provide (with support from the industry partners):

In-depth content, speakers and trainers tailored to suit the needs of each cohort and its participants

Specialist expertise across a range of craft disciplines, ways of working, and models of practice and business, along with expertise through their associates, networks and memberships across the UK.

Industry partners may also provide introductions to:

information, advice and online services provided through their core services as a craft organisation

experienced specialist craft retailers, curators, and promoters of contemporary craft

additional training, continuing professional development events, and skills workshops where available

Applicants are advised to research the work of the Hothouse 6 industry partners. Please note that opportunities offered in addition to the core Hothouse programme are optional and may be chargeable. Who are the partners? The following organisations are Industry partners for Hothouse 6 and are geographically spread

across England and Scotland. Hothouse 6 will be delivered through four cohorts roughly covering the areas of Scotland, Northern England, the Midlands and Southern England.

Promotional partners: ARTS THREAD and Etsy UK are promotional partners for the Hothouse programme and will contribute to online and offline promotion.

ARTS THREAD bridges the gap between education and the creative industry. For the first time ever, design students, graduates, universities, schools and the creative industry can network worldwide.

ARTS THREAD is the world’s only creative graduate website.

Etsy is a marketplace where people around the world connect, both online and offline, to make, sell and buy unique goods. The heart and soul of Etsy is our global community: creative entrepreneurs who use Etsy to sell what they make or curate, the shoppers looking for things they can’t find anywhere else, the manufacturers who partner with Etsy sellers to help them grow, and the Etsy employees who maintain and nurture our marketplace.


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Hothouse Scotland: Industry partners Craft Scotland www.craftscotland.org Craft Scotland is a funding partner for Hothouse 6.

Craft Scotland is the national agency for craft. We work to unite, inspire and champion craft in Scotland.

A Scottish charity, we create opportunities for Scottish makers to exhibit, sell and promote their work, and for the public to see, purchase and learn about craft. We do this through our varied campaigns, exhibitions, events and website.

Craft Scotland works to promote a wide range of crafts, including ceramics, glass, textiles, millinery, furniture, jewellery, metalwork, wood, lettering, musical instruments, paper, basket making, willow weaving, mosaics, heritage craft, and printing on fabric/glass/ceramics (limited productions).* We run exhibitions and events which connect the public with the Scottish craft community, often working with partner organisations. We also present collections of Scottish craft to the public in UK and International craft, design and art shows.

Our website provides a platform for craft people and places across Scotland to promote their work and connect to a diverse audience. Thousands of people visit craftscotland.org every month to find out more about craft, see what’s on in their area, and commission craft directly from the makers.

A survey carried out on behalf of Creative Scotland and other UK craft agencies revealed that Scottish craft contributes over £70million to the economy, from an estimated 3,350 Scottish craft makers. As of April 2013, Craft Scotland feature profile pages for 1,574 Scottish based craft makers; nearly 47% of this thriving sector.

City of Glasgow College www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk In September 2010 the City of Glasgow College was formed, one of Scotland’s largest Colleges. This was a result of the merger of the following three

former Colleges (Central College Glasgow, Glasgow Metropolitan College and Glasgow College of Nautical Studies). The College now has a fantastic portfolio of over 2,600 courses across a wide variety of areas which can be studied in various modes of attendance such as full time, part time, day release and distance learning. The College is currently the home of 32,500 students and 1,200 staff. Fife Contemporary Art & Craft www.fcac.co.uk

Fife Contemporary Art & Craft is a leader in delivering a high quality programme across the region with a range of partners. Working with a wide range of audiences and artists on exhibitions, residencies, craft retail and professional development it explores the dialogue between craft and visual art.

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee www.dundee.ac.uk

The University of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, is regarded as one of the top Art and Design colleges in the UK and is renowned for its pioneering research and creative practice. Our students are explorers with big imaginations who push boundaries and seek new ways of seeing.


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Hothouse North: Industry partners

The Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com

A registered charity based in Liverpool City Centre, Bluecoat Display Centre (BDC) runs a vibrant artistic and education programme within its gallery space as well as public events and outreach work. It provides over 60 local and 300 national and international craft makers and designers with a platform to display and sell their work. BDC is a major, independent, regional centre for artistic activity. It brings together artists and the public in a sympathetic environment that encourages creativity, collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

BDC is a facilitator and audience maker for contemporary crafts, without which our city would be significantly lacking in the vibrant artist-maker community within Liverpool, as we are the primary outlet for their work. BDC engages with over 30,000 members of the public who attend exhibitions each year, and nearly 40,000 who engage online with our interactive website.

The only Liverpool-based contemporary craft gallery recognised by the Arts Council and Crafts Council, BDC originated as one of this country’s earliest craft and design galleries in 1959. Located in a setting that is both welcoming and inspiring, it was the first public gallery space within the Bluecoat, one of the oldest Arts Centres in the UK.

We are a charitable organisation promoting the finest contemporary craftwork by leading designer/makers, and this heritage is overseen by the work of BDC’s team and board of directors. BDC continues to grow, and develop into a strong and dynamic organisation with an international reputation for craft and design, the only one of its kind within Merseyside.

Creative Lancashire www.creativelancashire.org Creative Lancashire supports creative & digital businesses. We work with all sectors to realise creative potential, recognising the crucial role that creativity and innovation play in driving the economy. We build collaborations and effective sector-specific networks. We also provide bespoke creative & digital business advice and information on getting the right funding and skills development. We are advocates for creativity and design, working with a range of partners including Arts Council England, Design Council, museums, galleries and centres of excellence in learning; to raise the competitiveness and profile of Lancashire's creative & digital sector. Creative Lancashire is a service provided by Lancashire County Council.

Design Event www.design-event.co.uk

Design Event was established in 2005 to showcase good design and support designers across the Northern region. We do this through a range of programmes including the Northern Design Festival, showcasing at the London Design Festival and our talks programme featuring leading designers. Our online design event store features a carefully curated selection of works from our exhibitions, the perfect place to buy beautiful design.

2015 marks our tenth birthday and over the last decade we have welcomed over 250,000 visitors to our festivals, worked with in excess of 1,400 designers, delivered 25 talks, 15 workshops, and held over 120 exhibitions and events.


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Winner, Homes and Gardens Designer Awards 2015, Backer of British Design.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre www.craftanddesign.com

In the heart of Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter, Manchester Craft & Design Centre is home to 30 resident artists and makers who design, create and make a variety of handmade products, from textiles and ceramics to pewter and paint, all of which can be bought on-site from the makers themselves in their independent and unique studios six days a week.

Alongside this MCDC hosts an innovative and exiting exhibition and events programme, showcasing the beset of contemporary craft and design from both established and emerging talent. Our diverse workshops are a great way for both professionals and amateurs alike to get ‘hands-on’ and develop and enhance their skills, from our ‘Make with Makers’ day sessions to our ‘Creative Business Development’ workshops.

We are: Passionate, Collaborative, Supportive, Professional and Brave, and the 2011 & 2013 winner of a Manchester Tourism Award for ‘Best Independent Tourism Retailer’.

Manchester School of Art www.mmu.ac.uk Manchester School of Art is based in the heart of Manchester, a vibrant and multicultural city; we are a pioneer of art and design education in the UK, celebrating our 175th Anniversary in 2013. As the second oldest design school in Britain, established to provide design training to the manufacturing industry, we offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses that are still very much influenced by the specialist needs of industry to provide our students with the essential skills and knowledge for their chosen career.

Marketplace studios business incubator is managed by Manchester School of Art where 10 multiple-occupancy studios available with a mixture of sizes and shapes. The studios are open 24 hours a day, and graduates will also be able to benefit from business start-up “bootcamps” run by the University’s Innospace. In addition to the studios, there is a shop area where the resident artists will be able to sell their work, and a project space for public workshops.

Artists can partially offset their studio rental costs by running courses, workshops and evening classes for the local community. The project also provides a way for graduates to build their networks through involvement with local businesses, creative groups and institutes such as the Stockport Hat Museum.

Yorkshire Artspace www.artspace.org.uk Yorkshire Artspace is one of the largest and most

established studio providers in the UK, currently offering affordable workspace to over 140 artists and craftspeople in 4 buildings in Sheffield. We aim to be a centre of excellence for the support of artists and makers by providing good quality affordable studio space, tailored professional development programmes and raising the profile of artists and their practices locally, nationally and internationally. We are committed to offering public access to artists and their work. Having a studio with Yorkshire Artspace makes you part of one of the UK's largest creative communities. Benefits to our studio holders include a weekly internal news email (weemail) about events/activities and opportunities, an invitation to take part in our incredibly popular Open Studios event, a presence on our website with a link to your own and the chance to publicise your work through our well-read bi-monthly e-newsletter. In 2012 we carried out our third Public Benefit Survey to highlight the importance of providing studios to artists and craftspeople in Sheffield. The results of this survey can be viewed as a downloadable pdf on the right hand side of this page. Yorkshire Artspace is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

University of Central Lancashire www.uclan.ac.uk The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston is a large modern university delivering world class teaching across a wide range of subject disciplines. Amongst its programme portfolio of approximately 500 undergraduate and over 200 postgraduate courses, UClan has been at the forefront of developing degrees in the creative industries for over 40 years. The School of Art Design and Fashion provides a broad range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. We deliver high quality craft and design-based courses, with many successful alumni operating nationally and internationally. Within many disciplines across the creative industries, the school is engaged in research and practitioner development across a wide variety of themes and specialisms. With our cutting edge facilities we take craft into the 21st century, valuing traditional skills, whilst addressing the many new developments within the field, including integration of digital technologies, new materials and the important issue of sustainability. Our teaching is rooted in workshop and studio practice with a strong emphasis on creative thinking and socially and ecologically responsible practice. The knowledge, skill, and craft of designing and making items is a major feature of all of our graduates’ and staff work.


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Hothouse Midlands: Industry partners Bilston Craft Gallery www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/visit/bilston Bilston Craft Gallery is part of Wolverhampton Museums and Galleries service and was established in 1937 as an arts venue for the local population of Bilston, an area famous for manufacturing. It features a lively changing programme of exhibitions bringing the best of contemporary craft practice to the region including ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, woodwork and more. The Gallery also houses key local displays of skilled applied arts and industrial manufacture including an outstanding collection of 18th century Bilston enamels. Public engagement with contemporary craft is a focus of the Gallery’s work with tactile and interactive displays, events and demonstrations, and programmes of creative workshops for all ages and Craftplay - a specialist early years creative play programme for 0-7 year olds. We are currently exploring ways of bringing contemporary craft to audiences outside the venue through off-site projects and events. Craftspace www.craftspace.co.uk Craftspace is a crafts development organisation. We work to push boundaries and perceptions of crafts practice, presentation and learning. We build relationships between artists, people and organisations. Our ideas explore crafts in diverse social and cultural settings. We work with others nationally and internationally. We do this through a programme of touring exhibitions, research and participatory projects. We have over 20 years experience and continue to be open to new and thought provoking ways of working. Our work is

supportive and developmental, enabling the sharing of skills and knowledge. Each project is bespoke. Artists, participants and partners are involved in planning, development, collaboration, documentation and reflection. We also undertake consultancy to develop and facilitate arts related commissions and initiatives.

Nottingham Trent University www.ntu.ac.uk Nottingham Trent University is a modern, forward thinking university with a long heritage. As one of the leading new universities in the UK, we provide our students with first-class learning and teaching facilities. Since 2004 over £130million has been invested into Nottingham Trent University and the implementation of this has seen dramatic changes to our three campuses. Nottingham Trent University currently offers over 500 courses which are run over three campuses and administered by nine academic schools.

The University has both a strong craft and business enterprise focus through its Decorative Arts and Textile Design (BA Hons) programmes, both chartered Society of Designers (CSD) accredited, and postgraduate study in MA Textile Design Innovation.

NTU’s programmes encourage exploration of traditional craft processes in combination with new technology so that students can develop and produce innovative designs and products through a range of hand and digital approaches. Emphasis is placed on researching traditional crafting techniques to inform new, experimental hybrid approaches.


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Students in Decorative arts and Contemporary Craft Practice have a unique opportunity to explore, develop and create with a variety of traditional and modern materials, including: ceramics, glass, metal, paper, plastic, textiles, and wood. NTU has a rich heritage and long history of teaching Textile Design and offers the unique opportunity to explore and develop skills in the creative areas of printing, embroidery, weaving and knitting, and have the chance to take part in live industry projects and overseas trips.

Nottingham County Council www.nottinghamshirecountycouncil.gov.uk The Arts & Sports Development Service aims to inspire Nottinghamshire Communities to engage with the arts and sports and actively participate in the creative and sporting life of the county. The service works with communities and the independent creative and sporting sector across the County and directly delivers a programme of creative opportunities at Rufford Craft Centre.

The Arts Development Service priorities are to develop the workforce and infrastructure of the Arts Sector and develop community engagement and participation in the arts. The Strategic Arts Development Team includes an officer for Creative Industries who is the partner lead on the Hothouse programme.

The National Centre for Craft and Design www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk Design Factory www.designfactory.org.uk Design-Nation www.designnation.co.uk In the beautiful setting of Navigation Wharf in Sleaford sits an old seed warehouse. But it’s not what you’d expect, for this converted warehouse is home to British craft and design. The National Centre for Craft & Design is the largest venue in England entirely dedicated to the exhibition, celebration, support and promotion of national and international contemporary craft and design. We aim to stimulate greater understanding of contemporary craft and design and provide enriching arts and cultural experiences for everyone, through a dynamic programme of high quality exhibitions, participatory learning, events and retail. Our five gallery spaces showcase up to 20 exhibitions each year from the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists to new and emerging talent. We are also home to Design Factory and Design-Nation and offer a unique resource for the support, development and promotion of Britain’s leading designers and makers. Design Factory is a membership organisation that works to develop designers and makers through a programme of commercial and creative opportunities and a national network of peer support Design-Nation is an online portfolio for craft, design and product that celebrates British design excellence and initiates collaboration with its network, entrepreneurs, industry and the wider creative economy through a range of innovative projects and events.


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Hothouse Industry partners: South

Craft Central www.craftcentral.org.uk Craft Central, the new name for Clerkenwell Green Association, is a pioneering not-for-profit organisation established over 25 years that is dedicated to building a strong future for craft and design. Craft Central is a place where things happen. People get inspired. Creative businesses flourish and a community of designers and makers talk, meet and swap ideas. Put simply, Craft Central is a destination for those involved in craft who want to get somewhere, make something happen and see things differently.

Crafts people and designer-makers can join Craft Central’s Designers’ Network, show work in exhibitions or in the online gallery, rent work spaces and get practical business help. Individuals interested in craft and design, can visit ground-breaking events and exhibitions, use resources to source and buy original products, commission unique one-off pieces and support Craft Central’s non-profit work.

Craft Central gives everyone the chance to discover a world of craft and design that is more extensive, more inspiring and more accessible than most could ever imagine. Craft Central divides its work into four major areas of activity: Craft Central On Show: Exhibiting and showcasing craft and design Craft Central Places & Spaces: Workshops, studios and exhibition facilities Craft Central Network: A forum for opportunities and networking Craft Central In Business: Business training and support Craft Study Centre www.csc.ucreative.ac.uk

The Crafts Study Centre is the University Museum of Modern Crafts. It is situated at the front of the Farnham campus of the University for the Creative

Arts, within the newly established School of Craft & Design. The work of the Crafts Study Centre focuses on the display of its unrivalled collections of modern craft (in the areas of lettering, textiles, ceramics, wood and archives) and on a programme of contemporary craft exhibitions. These activities are supported by artists’ talks, seminars and symposiums, as well as partnership projects within Farnham (especially with the New Ashgate Gallery and the Farnham Maltings). These enhance Farnham’s position as a ‘Craft Town’.

The University for the Creative Arts adds to the critical mass for craft by offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across the craft subjects, including jewellery, metalwork, textiles and ceramics. These are located in first class studios and workshops and provide a landscape for the Crafts Study Centre to enrich the craft student experience especially in the area of artefact and object analysis and exhibition and museum analysis. A new degree, the M Res Crafts, is being launched in partnership between the Crafts Study Centre and the University for a first intake in September 2015.

The Crafts Study Centre fills two inter-related objectives: a research centre of the University and a fully accredited museum, focusing uniquely on the collections and associated activities relevant to modern and contemporary craft.

New Ashgate Gallery www.newashgate.org.uk

Originally established as the Ashgate Gallery in 19 South Street, Farnham, by Elizabeth Naydler, in the late 1950s, the Gallery has been located in a seventeenth century listed building in Waggon Yard, Farnham, since the 1970s. The New Ashgate Gallery is dedicated to promote and champion the best contemporary art and craft in the market place and to provide an unparalleled resource in Farnham, Surrey and beyond. It raises aspirations and inspires


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excellence. The trust delivers exhibitions and projects in the gallery and the community. It supports emerging artists in partnership with local, regional and national organisations and delivers workshops and professional practice seminars. The trust supports outreach projects as well as widening participation and diversity in arts.

The gallery works with emerging local, national and international artists alongside established artists and makers. It supports, through the sale of contemporary art and craft, practitioners across the region and throughout the UK. Any funds raised are invested in cultivating arts and crafts through exhibition opportunities, professional practice programmes, mentoring and partnership projects. It works in a partnership with the University for the Creative Arts and organises for Rising Stars, the curated touring exhibition to view and collect some of the most exciting new crafts by emerging makers from crafts and applied arts programmes across the UK.

Plymouth College of Art www.plymouthart.ac.uk Plymouth College of Art is an independent, specialist art college based in the South West. We value independence – as an institution and in our people. As such we are a small yet innovative and highly creative community, passionate about all forms of art and design from traditional crafts to digital media. Our networks reach far beyond our campus into education, industry, arts and the community thus supporting a continuum of learning for all. The Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design www.thecass.com The Cass was launched in 2012, through the merger of the Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Media and Design and the Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Design at London Metropolitan University. The Cass takes its name from educational philanthropist Sir John Cass (1661-1718) and is now home to one of the widest disciplinary ranges of creative university courses in Europe. Our central London location also gives students easy access to the inspirational creative and cultural hub which surrounds the Aldgate Campus. The Cass is internationally recognised for its high quality teaching, excellent facilities and unique interdisciplinary opportunities. Learning through live practice, playing with material and process and working with clients, students at The Cass gain real world experience in both individual and collaborative projects, engaging with professionals, communities and companies. There is a strong emphasis in our studios on socially engaged Architecture, Art and Design applied to both local and global contexts, and many projects focus on London as both a site for creative practice and as a resource.

Our students uniquely study in a studio system, each studio a small body of students, lecturers and creative professionals who work together on projects and live briefs in a form of research and practice that mirrors the professional future that awaits our students when they graduate. Whatever the discipline, our ethos is to learn through practice, and our focus is on designing and making. The many specialist professional and industrial standard facilities include wood, metal and ceramic workshops, fashion and textile studios, jewellery workshops, laboratories, TV and recording studios, AV and editing suites, darkrooms and a digital manufacturing centre. Preparing our student to launch their careers, we support our students to exhibit widely at numerous major UK and international exhibitions and festivals where they regularly win prestigious awards, and promote their success on our Faculty website: www.thecass.com. The University of Brighton www.brighton.ac.uk The University of Brighton’s College of Arts and Humanities, situated in Brighton, East Sussex, has evolved from the Brighton School of Art founded in 1859. Committed to learning as a collaborative process, the college nurtures excellence in the visual and performing arts, architecture, design, craft, art and design history, media studies, moving image and film studies, literature, languages and humanities, and provides a world-leading research environment for the arts.

Research and scholarly enterprise in the college leads to work that is personal, social and useful. Humanity is placed at the core of all investigations. Educational and research frameworks have led projects into community understanding, looking at how knowledge is formed, treasured and communicated. Practitioners of the arts and humanities learn by making - making texts, films, 3D objects, images and sounds, making connections, curating performances and understanding what it is to engage with self and with community.

The BA (Hons) / MDes 3D Design and Craft course covers a comprehensive range of three-dimensional practices, exploring the exciting creative and professional opportunities that exist in the realisation of the objects, products and artefacts that form our made world. Integrating studio, workshop practice and research with professional practice and historical and critical studies students explore the critical, conceptual and ethical dimensions of creativity as well as the commercial implications of their practice.


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Frequently Asked Questions These FAQs are intended to give more information on completing the Hothouse application form, eligibility for the programme, and taking part in Hothouse. If you can’t find your answer here or if you are unsure if you are eligible please check with the Learning and Talent Development Team before submitting an application at [email protected] Application process How do I apply? You will need to create a login via the Crafts Council website using an email address and password, you will then be taken to an online form for you to complete. Here you will be able to answer the application form questions as well as upload a creative C.V and images. Any questions you have about applying should be answered by reading this guidance document and FAQ’s. If you are experiencing technical problems with the online form please get in touch with the Learning and Talent Development Team. I don’t know which cohort to apply for, which should I choose? It’s a personal preference. Some points to consider when thinking about which one to choose:

Do you want to build you regional network? Do you want think outside your region and build your national network? Research the different Hothouse industry partners taking part to see if you have a particular interest in the

work they do. You will meet all the partners and cohorts during the programme. Research the travel distances/prices to your cohort partners venues.

Can I apply for more than one cohort? No, we will consider you for the cohort you have marked as your preferred cohort and we will discuss this with you at interview should you be selected for that stage.

None of these cohorts are near to me, what should I do? You can choose to travel to take part if feasible, or wait for next year to see if there is a cohort nearer to you. We are not able to confirm this at present. We aim to provide a fair geographical spread from year to year.

I’m not ready to apply this year - will Hothouse happen again? We are not able to confirm what cohorts will run or where after 2016 so please sign up to the Crafts Council e-bulletin to stay in touch. Bear in mind that previous regional cohorts may not be repeated.

I’ve applied before and wasn’t successful – can I apply again? Applications for Hothouse can be made in consecutive years for as long as the candidate remains eligible. However, it is advised that previously unsuccessful applicants submit a new selection of images. The panel will look for evidence of understanding and action taken in response to any feedback given following an earlier unsuccessful interview.

Why is there an application fee? As with many programme or opportunity applications there is an application fee of £15 to apply to Hothouse. The application fee goes towards the administrative costs of the recruitment process and is non-refundable even if your application is deemed ineligible. As part of the fee all applicants can also claim a 20% discount to a Crafts magazine. Why is there a programme fee to participate? The contribution supports our continued development of programmes with the high value of the Hothouse scheme in excess of £3000 per participant. Participants can pay the programme fee in monthly instalments via Direct Debit of £30 or in one off payment of £180 upon signing their agreement to participate in the programme. The programme fee has been set to ensure participants commitment to the programme and is based on programme fees to similarly high profile programmes. The Programme fee also covers a Crafts Council Directory profile.


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Why is there an interview? We need committed participants who we can be confident will contribute to this high value programme fully and we like to be able to meet the applicants and talk to them in detail about their work and their professional development.

How many people get an interview and what is the interview structure? From the total applicants received we shortlist to interview approximately 25 people per cohort in England, offering a maximum of 14 places for each England cohort and we shortlist to interview approximately 15 people for the six places available in the Scotland cohort. The industry partners and key Crafts Council staff help us to shortlist by viewing the images/image descriptions. Those who are shortlisted are asked to interview and we ask you to bring some work to the interview as images aren’t always the best and most accurate representation, or new work may have been made since application. There will be 4-5 people on the interview panel. This can seem a bit scary but means that we can all see how we may be able to support someone through the programme. If selected for interview you will meet some of the other applicants and see their work too, which many applicants find a friendly and reassuring shared experience, and also a chance to network. Interviews will take place during late September and October 2015.

I don’t have anything to write on my application form or C.V as I’ve only just started up. It may mean it’s too early for you to apply as you need to use your current work and practice as the basis for your learning on the programme. If you haven’t done much yet think carefully to remember any exhibiting opportunities you might have had during training, prizes you might have won, local press etc.

What sort of thing are you looking for on my C.V? Please try to ensure that you provide us with a ‘creative C.V’ which should include things like shows you have participated in, roles that relate to your creative practice, courses completed and dates, awards, residencies, commissions etc. We don’t need to know if you have worked in a coffee shop! You can include any career breaks or previous careers if craft is a change in direction for you or you are a second careerist.

I’m waiting to hear if I’ve been successful on an application for another opportunity, should I put it down? Yes, just write ‘applied for and pending’ along with the planned date.

I don’t have four or more different pieces of work to show in my six application images, is this a problem? Carefully consider if you are ready to undertake this programme. It may mean it’s too early for you to apply as you need use your current body of work or range as the basis for your learning on the programme. You may benefit from focussing on developing your range, or body of work and applying for a future cohort. Bear in mind that previous discipline or regional cohorts may not be repeated. However furniture makers may not have as many pieces to show as the design and development process tends to be longer, and we will take this into consideration.

I don’t have access to the internet to complete my online application form. Please contact the Learning and Talent Development Team. Please note this greatly increases our administration and we will only accept applications by other means if there really is no other option.

I don’t know how to size my images correctly. We cannot provide IT support but to get help resizing your images we recommend using the following guides:

For windows 7 users see the online guide for using the Paint tool: http://goo.gl/etFmfO For all windows users: http://goo.gl/P9v9eJ For Mac users: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH5936

Or an online tool: Photoshop express online: http://www.photoshop.com/tools Pic Resize: http://www.picresize.com

Who should I put as a referee? You might put a tutor, related employer, someone you have done work experience for. This should be someone who knows your work. We would prefer that you include only one referee from your most recent programme of study. And don’t forget to ask them first!

Eligibility


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I am self-taught, am I eligible? Yes. Please give details of any short courses you have completed.

Is there an age limit? No – so far on Hothouse our participants have ranged from 20-60!

I live in the UK but not in Scotland or England, can I apply? The Hothouse programme is partly funded by Arts Council England and our partnership with Craft Scotland means we accept applicants living and working in Scotland. Because of the way that the programme is funded for Hothouse 6 we can only accept applications from makers living and working in Scotland and England.

What do you mean by ‘emerging’? To be considered emerging, a maker can be of any age, intends to be a professional maker but is not yet earning a living solely from their craft practice.

How do I know when I started my practice? This might be:

The date you completed your training, if you did not go into full time or equivalent employment following this

The date you registered at the Tax Office, if you have done so The date when you first exhibited your work publicly (since completing study), if you have continued to

exhibit since then A date when other support has been received towards starting the business, such as Princes Trust or

Business link support I haven’t graduated yet, am I eligible? No, unless you will have completed your training by the time the programme starts. However we would recommend that you apply the year following graduation as participants are expected to use examples from their practice and business on the programme and be active between sessions. We also prefer to see how your work develops independently outside of the training environment as this gives a clearer indication of your ability to be self-led and motivated.

I have only just graduated, am I eligible? Yes, provided you have completed your training when the programme starts. We will want to see evidence of a range or body of work, and that you have other opportunities lined up that will help you engage with the programme fully. You may therefore prefer to wait until the year following graduation to see how both these areas develop.

I’m doing a part-time MA over a number of years, am I eligible? No, we cannot accept people who are also completing MA studies even if they are part-time, you must have completed your studies by the time the programme starts.

I can’t decide between Hothouse and further study i.e. MA. We recommend completing study before taking part in Hothouse. An MA often changes a maker’s work and practice radically. If you complete the Hothouse programme before the MA you could find the practice planning and business development you do during Hothouse may not be right for the type of work you complete your MA with.

I graduated more than three years ago but haven’t set up yet am I eligible? Your graduation point may not be important if we can ascertain that you have been working full time or equivalent since graduation. This might also include being a full-time parent. If you have been working full time or equivalent in an unrelated area it is useful for us to know this. Did you exhibit or sell your work during this period? Where? How often? You may be deemed to be running a portfolio career and have started your practice if you have been exhibiting regularly for more than three years as well as working in related areas, such as teaching within the discipline you practice.

I have had a previous career before starting my craft practice, am I still eligible? Yes. If you have had a previous career please give details in your C.V as this can be of interest in understanding your practice and the way you work. Try not to leave any major gaps in your recent career history.


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I am registered at the tax office but for a different business to the one I am intending to run now, does this count as a start date? It will not count as a start date if you are registered for a business which is unrelated to the one with which you are applying to Hothouse.

I trained/started a creative business a long time ago but haven’t been practicing am I eligible? We would need to understand if this is a new start or change in direction, what you were previously doing, and if you have taken a career break as a maker. Please ensure you include any ‘career break’ periods in your C.V.

I set up more than three years ago and have been exhibiting regularly but I haven’t really sold much work, am I eligible? No, as you have been exhibiting regularly with the intention to trade.

I’m not sure my work is suitable; can I see examples of other makers who have taken part in Hothouse before? Please check the disciplines supported in the Eligibility section, and take a look at www.craftscouncil.org.uk/hothouse to see examples of previous Hothouse participants and their work.

I’m not sure my practice is a business, can I apply and can the programme help me? Every art or craft practice also needs to be considered as a business, even if you don’t expect to be selling a product. Hothouse will help you to understand business models that are suitable for you, without compromising your vision and goals.

Why do I have to have permanent leave to remain in the UK? The Crafts Council’s role is to support makers based in the UK as we are funded by public money by the Arts Council England. We invest in participants’ practices through training and support to the value of more than £3000 per person. The intention is that this investment stays within the UK. We need to be sure applicants are able to intend to continue their businesses here.

Taking part in Hothouse:

Is there any funding? No. The programme is a high value investment and there is no additional cash funding.

How often will I need to attend Hothouse? Is it full time? It isn’t full time. Depending on what point in the programme it is you should only need to attend an average of 2-3 days per month, plus around 1 hour per month with your mentor.

How long are the training days? These are full days, usually from 10am-5.30pm, and may require early starts to arrive on time or to take advantage of cheaper travel. Refreshments are provided. Lunch is not provided as part of the session but we try to ensure that there are places nearby for an inexpensive lunch, and we’ll let you know in advance so you can bring a packed lunch.

I have a full time/part time job, can I take part? A part time job should not be a problem and many participants run portfolio careers. You need to commit to attending all sessions and must prioritise and diarise these, if applicable in agreement with your employer in advance. You must be able to use your current practice as the basis for learning during the programme and so will need to allow time to be active in your practice between sessions.

I have business commitments i.e. trade fairs during the 6 months the programme runs, will this be a problem? We give advance notice of all session times and dates and participants are expected to prioritise and diarise these. Due to the high value of the programme we can only tolerate non-attendance of two sessions, and with advance notice. We try to be accommodating of likely business commitments such as key trade fairs taking place during the period the programme runs.

I have personal commitments during the six months the programme runs, will this be a problem? We understand that makers run portfolio careers and will have part time job commitments. We see many second-career makers on the programme and understand that many have additional family commitments. In order to help participants plan for this we give advance notice of all session times and dates and participants are expected to prioritise and diarise these. Due to the high value of the programme we can only tolerate non-attendance of two sessions, and with advance notice.


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The guidelines mention there may be consecutive days training – will I have to stay overnight? Yes if the training venue is not possible for you to travel to from your home within a day. When it may be required we always give plenty of advance notice and suggest inexpensive accommodation nearby. These occasions can be invaluable for getting to know your peer-group and the Hothouse partners more informally and as such are a useful part of the programme.

What is a Mentor? Mentors are established practicing makers and specialists, and, in general will have been in business for seven years or more. Hothouse participants are expected to use the time with their mentor in a planned and focussed way to address a specific area or question.

Can I choose who I get as my mentor? You will be asked to indicate on your application form which general area you feel you need mentoring in. We will match you from our pool of mentors and you will be assigned a mentor in time for when the programme begins. Your mentor may not be a maker but could be a business specialist or marketing whizz! Matches are also often purposefully chosen to be surprising, inspiring and challenging to participants’ expectations. We ask participants to be open to this process.

Who are the mentors? These have included a wide range of makers and other sector professionals, and include: Artangel; Piers Atkinson, millinary; Matthew Hilton, furniture; Chris Keenan, ceramics; Kath Libbert, gallerist; Ptolemy Mann, textiles; Margo Selby, textiles; Dr Rachel Smart, business advisor; Lina Peterson, jewellery; Donna Wilson, textiles.

I feel like I just need a Mentor, can I apply for that? We do not offer a mentoring only scheme. The programme is fully integrated and the mentoring programme is intended as support for participants’ learning and development through the programme sessions. If you are confident in all areas outlined in the programme sessions then you may be at a further point in practice and experience than the programme is intended for.

If any of your questions are not covered here, or you need further clarification on anything please contact the Learning and Talent Development Team before submitting your application at:

Email: [email protected]

Crafts Council Registered Charity Number: 280956

Guidelines for Applicants Crafts Council Collective … for Applicants Hothouse 6 3 Introduction Are...

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