Support given to art and creative sector
MORE than 100 businesses from across Leicestershire’s art and creative sector have applied for specialist support to develop and grow.
Creative Leicestershire, a Leicestershire County Council initiative which offers advice, support, and growth for creative enterprises across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, has come together with partners across the East Midlands for another year to offer WebinArt.
Webinart is a one-year professional development programme which connects new and improving creative businesses with industry giants and mentors. It offers help and support in everything from financial and business growth advice, to confidence building and help with covid-19 related concerns.
Artist Lucy Stevens who joined WebinArt last year, encourages creative businesses to apply for this year’s funding “It was great to hear first-hand from other artists that I admire about the realities of running a creative business and to know that I wasn’t alone in the challenges that I’d faced so far. The online resources gave me real motivation to try something new and put the advice into action.”
“I’d advise any artist starting out or those that feel a bit lost and lacking focus to take part in WebinArt. It’s a chance to develop your business skills and learn more about how to raise your profile, build a strong brand, grow a sustainable and profitable business and lots more! It’s also a great chance to meet other local artists.”
Applications this year already include independent creatives and businesses from a multitude of disciplines such painters, makers, and writers.
Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council said: “It is vital that we as a council do all we can to continue to support business growth, entrepreneurship , and career development, especially during this challenging time for all businesses.
“Not only do creatives contribute to the rich culture of Leicestershire but encouraging them to become experienced in the business market will create jobs and help boost our local economy.”
Though WebinArt would have usually been delivered face to face, in accordance with social distancing, all activity has been moved online. The programme offers bespoke business mentoring, live expert interviews, and engaging live webinars packed with valuable industry know-how. It also facilitates networking opportunities, provides a supportive online community and helps promote the work of their members.
The WebinArt team understand the financial pressures that many businesses are facing at this current time so are offering three months of the programme free with the remaining nine months at a cost of £8 per month. Visit www. creativeleics.co.uk/webinart for more information.