Masters pass on tips to aspiring artists
Released: 13 September 2007
Aspiring artists are being given a survival skills masterclass.
The Enter Arts programme, run by Wolverhampton City Council’s Adult Education Service, is designed to help local artists boost their business acumen and become the next ‘big thing’ in art and design.
The course has been running for more than a decade and has already helped dozens of students into employment in the arts or to establish themselves as freelancers and is open to artists and designers from all mediums.
It is aimed at artists at various points in their career, from recent graduates to people looking to return to the business after a career break, those aiming to become freelancers or artists wanting help to market their work.
The weekly sessions include group activities and seminars, tutorials, visits and appearances by guest speakers. Students will cover topics including funding opportunities, tax and National Insurance for freelancers, building a CV and securing public art commissions. They can also network with fellow artists and showcase their own work.
Sian Fletcher, Wolverhampton City Council’s curriculum manager for arts crafts and media, said: “Artists taking part in the course have moved on to develop successful freelance careers or found employment in the arts.”
They include Elena Cassidy-Smith, who completed the course last summer and has gone on to exhibit and sell her work extensively across the region.
She became a freelancer in December and said: “The course is a great platform for newly-established artists to gain a wider understanding of the steps to take to becoming freelance. It also offers the chance to meet other local practitioners.”
Work by John Garghan, who took part in the programme in 2003, has since found its way into collections in the UK and America.
Ludmilla Hambrook, who also completed the course last year, added: “I have a more realistic approach and a clearer idea not only about what I want to do but how I could do it.”
The 30-week course runs every Tuesday beginning on September 18. There are two programmes, one that takes place during the day at Bilston Craft Gallery and another in the evening at Wolverhampton City Learning Quarter, Old Hall Street. They cost £139.80 plus a £6 registration fee.
For details, call Wolverhampton City Council’s Adult Education Service on 01902 558180 or visit www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk
Issued by the press office.