The current Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on artists’ practices with nearly all loosing income due to the cancellation of exhibitions, workshops , selling events and commissions. This leaves many in very precarious positions with real financial worries. This course is recommended for all our freelance members across the visual and applied arts.
This online course will be delivered by Applied Arts Scotland's Chair Carol Sinclair and Advisor Helen Voce, alongside specialist invited tutors at each workshop. The course is essential for all freelance arts professionals, covering all aspects of managing the business and finances of your practice as well as guiding you through the governments’ various support and benefit schemes. Whether members are exploring government support, applying for grants or loans, or considering benefits these workshops will support you with navigating the financial options available to you.
Wednesday 15th July, 10-11:30am
Part 1: Benefits & navigating the social security system
This workshop will help you to understand the different types of government benefits available, with advice tailored to address specific needs through the questions you share with us in advance, as well as offering advice on: the best sources of reliable information; and how to access government support and other arts and creative industry grants.
About the tutor: Jim McCutcheon studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art 1986 and completed an MA at the University of Belfast 1989 and has continued an arts practice since. Jim trained at Leith Citizens Advice Edinburgh to become an adviser there in 2017. Jim is now employed as a solo outreach worker in deprived areas of North Edinburgh, setting up bureaus within established community centres and the Craigmillar Neighbourhood Alliance.
Wednesday 22nd July, 10-11:30am
Part 2: Finance for freelancers
As well as understanding available government support, this workshop will consider how to effectively manage your finances at this time, including reviewing your 2020/2021 cashflow and keeping on top of your financial records, as well as offering advice on: the best sources of reliable information; and helpful tips on managing your finances in a time of uncertainty.
About the tutor: John O'Neill of The O'Neill Partnership accountancy firm. John trained with Ernst & Young in Glasgow remaining with the firm for 10 years. He then moved to their office in Los Angeles to broaden his experience. Upon returning to the UK, John took up the role of Finance Director in a TV commercials production company. In 2004 John set up his own practice acting as an accountant/advisor to businesses in the small and medium sized market. He currently acts for a range of clients, in predominantly the creative sector, advising for example on tax, accounting and cash flow.
This course will take place online using the Zoom meeting format. Places on each workshop are limited to 40 participants - you can choose to attend one or both of the workshops. Please RSVP for each workshop via the previous events page or email [email protected] to receive registration information via email.
More About
Applied Arts Scotland (AAS) is a membership organisation run by makers for makers to give an authentic, collective and professional voice to the sector. AAS's key objective is to support its members to work together to support one another, to develop and share opportunities, to build confidence, to enhance sustainability and to develop leadership skills for the long-term benefit of the whole craft sector. AAS nurtures and celebrates the creative heart and soul of making practice by facilitating creative exchange and knowledge transfer, delivering tangible benefits to the making community through a variety of activities including off and online workshops and events, international creative exchange projects, professional development through peer exchange / skills swops / constructive feedback on creative work, encouraging sector self-sufficiency & confidence via sharing good practice and innovative working methods, developing strategic partnerships with other organisations and agencies (including MAKE | Support in partnership with MAKE Manifesto providing financial support for makers during Covid-19, which will inform the to be delivered workshops) and supporting the development of new career pathways into making, including the delivery of the Shared Creative Modern Apprenticeship Pilot Programme.
Carol Sinclair is a ceramic artist and freelance project manager, trainer, mentor and a qualified business adviser. Drawing on 25 years experience of running her own craft business and supporting the development of creative practitioners she has developed and delivered a variety of training events and development programmes, advice / mentor / coaching sessions focussing on starting up, changing creative or business direction, growing scale or influence, efficient communication and effective leadership.
Helen Voce is an independent producer of projects, events and development programmes working locally, nationally, internationally and voluntarily in the creative industries since 1998. She designs, facilitates and produces opportunities, initiatives and spaces in which creative practitioners, micro-businesses and projects can realise their full artistic and business potential. Her professional specialism and personal interest is contemporary craft and design in Scotland, the UK and beyond.
