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North leads the way for UKs emerging designers

A prestigious partnership has been developed to lead the way for emerging designers throughout the UK.

Cleveland College of Art and Design has joined forces with the Craft Council, the nation’s biggest craft organisation, in an initiative known as Hothouse North.

The scheme has been created to support up and coming designers who have either graduated within the past two years or set up their own business.

They receive a six month programme of intensive business skills and creative development which also includes one to one support.

CCAD’s business development manager for the creative industries at Melanie Shee said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to be working with the Craft Council to develop partnerships with other industry-led organisations in the North.”

CCAD is also working closely with two other northern design agencies, Designed & Made, from Newcastle and Design Initiative from Liverpool.

Melanie said: “It is brilliant to be participating in projects beyond theTees Valley and delivering a programme to young designers across the country drawing on our experience.”

The Hothouse programme is offering group sessions on developing business skills, market knowledge and creativity. The scheme will provide the opportunity for essential networking with contacts in the industry and practising peers. It will also offer the chance to have a mentor from the industry, who will offer guidance and provide valuable business support.

Hothouse supports makers from a wide range within the contemporary craft sector, including wood, metal, glass, ceramics, textiles, plastic, leather. A number of CCAD tutors, who are experts in these areas, are also part of the project.

“It is great to think that the Craft Council is looking to us for our expertise,” said Melanie. “The tutors are delighted to be involved in this project and to be supporting designers through their own knowledge and skill.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by melanie shee .