Visual Arts Support UK
Visual Arts Support UK 2024
Sometimes when we are in the whirlwind of creating and seeking new opportunities, taking time out to reflect on our business practice doesn't often crop into our minds, and when it does it's easily dismissed.
You may not realise this but if you are operating within the creative sector, you have a distinct advantage over most types of business, your practical skills and and right brain thinking give you unique perspectives that can be leveraged to build an amazing brand.
In the age of AI, everything we thought we knew about marketing online is radically changing. The future lies in creators being paid by brands to endorse their products and services. If you can get ahead now you will spearhead the revolution.
At long last the creative sector will be the most desired medium for collaborative partnerships, the days of the struggling artist are numbered.
Consider how you can use your gifts and personality to build community, provide value and unite your tribe. This will not only build your brand but prime you for exciting collaborative relationships that can remain authentic.
For those of you who are starting out, or have ambitions to make change, this blog is a resource of organisations that you can work with to support, guide and even fund your projects.
Below is a list of regional providers that can support those who are based in the United Kingdom and operate in the visual arts, film, music and design. Feel free to share the love.
Visual Arts:
National Agencies:
Arts Council England: Supports visual arts projects across England through various grants and funding programmes.
Creative UK: Provides resources and networking opportunities for visual artists.
Visual Artists' Guild: Offers professional development, legal advice, and advocacy for visual artists.
Regional Agencies:
North East: Northern Print, Visual Arts North East
North West: Manchester Open, Liverpool Biennial
Yorkshire and the Humber: Humber Mouth, The Tetley
Midlands: Birmingham Museums Trust, Nottingham Contemporary
South East: Jerwood Foundation, MK Gallery
South West: Arnolfini, Plymouth Arts Centre
Scotland: Scottish Contemporary Art, Edinburgh Art Festival
Wales: National Museum Wales, Wales Arts Council
Northern Ireland: Belfast Exposed, Ormeau Baths
Film:
National Agencies:
British Film Institute (BFI): Supports film production, distribution, and exhibition through various schemes and resources.
Creative England: Funds film projects and initiatives through its Film Fund.
Regional Agencies:
North East: Northern Film + Media, Film Hub North
North West: Screen Yorkshire, Manchester International Film Festival
Yorkshire and the Humber: Sheffield Doc/Fest, Film Hub Yorkshire
Midlands: Birmingham Film Festival, Film Birmingham
South East: Brighton & Hove Film Festival, Film London
South West: Encounters Film Festival, Bristol Film Festival
Scotland: Scottish Film Institute, Glasgow Film Festival
Wales: Film Cymru Wales, Cardiff International Film Festival
Northern Ireland: NI Screen, Belfast Film Festival
Music:
National Agencies:
Music Week Growth Fund: Provides loans and equity investments for UK music businesses.
PRS for Music: Collects and distributes royalties to songwriters and composers.
The Musicians' Union (MU): Represents and protects the rights of professional musicians.
Regional Agencies:
North East: Sage Gateshead, Music Glue
North West: Manchester Music Industry Development Agency, Live Nation
Yorkshire and the Humber: Leeds Music City, Sheffield Theatres
Midlands: Birmingham Music Box, Nottingham Live
South East: Brighton & Hove Music Conference, London Music Week
South West: Bristol Music Trust, Exeter Phoenix
Scotland: Scottish Music Industry Association, Celtic Connections
Wales: Wales Music, Focus Wales
Northern Ireland: NI Music, Belfast Music City
Design:
National Agencies:
Design Council: Promotes design excellence and its impact on society.
Creative England: Supports design businesses through various programmes.
Regional Agencies:
North East: North East Design Forum, Newcastle Design Week
North West: Manchester Design Factory, Liverpool Design Festival
Yorkshire and the Humber: Sheffield Design Week, Leeds Design Festival
Midlands: Birmingham Design Week, Nottingham Design Week
South East: London Design Festival, Brighton Design Festival
South West: Bristol Design Festival, Plymouth Design Week
Scotland: Design Scotland, Edinburgh Design Festival
Wales: Design Wales, Cardiff Design Festival
Northern Ireland: Design Innovation N.I., Belfast Design Week
My support
I help you cut through all the information overwhelm to help you build your business in a manageable way. In the first instance I ask for a 40 minute consultation over Teams to see if what I offer is aligned to your needs and within your expectations. It's not a sales call. I always guarantee that you will leave the session with some additional wisdom to when you came.
Please connect here. I look forward to chatting with you.