Learning Manager

Kirsten Body (she/her) has 20 years experience working in the visual arts sector. She trained at Grays School of Art, Aberdeen (1998) and was awarded an MBA in Cultural Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (2002). She is part of artist-run project, Circus Artspace. www.circus.scot



  • One Shared Owner: artists talking about friendship and care

    Part 3: Wednesday 5th June, 3 - 4:30pm (BST)

    One Shared Owner: artists talking about friendship and care with Dr John Wright & Experimental Space Collective 

    This discussion between Dr John Wright and members of the Experimental Space Collective [esc] -  Pragya Bhargava, Sally Stenton, Svetlana Atlavina -  will explore how support structures of friendship and care play out in artist-led collectives. This session brings together research and practice to draw out ideas and learning that speak to broader issues facing arts and cultural ecologies both locally and on an international scale.     

    To Book: this event is free to all artists and makers in Scotland, please complete the Zoom registration link in our link.tree🌲

     

    About our speakers 

    Dr John Wright is a researcher, artist, and lecturer currently working as a postdoctoral research associate with the Centre for Cultural Value, University of Leeds. He is also the co-convener of the research group PLACE at the School of Performance and Cultural Industries in the University of Leeds. Previously John worked as a lecturer at Leeds Arts University and as a module leader on the MA Critical Studies at Bradford College. He co-founded the artist-led collective The Retro Bar at the End of the Universe and developed a curatorial background in both museums, galleries and in artist-led practice - previously working at the British Library, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the National Media and Science Museum.

    Experimental Space Collective [esc] evolved from online meetings of artists that began in March 2020 in response to experiences of lockdown. They aim to bring physicality into the virtual space and challenge the hostile screen environment, to see how it could forge new creative spaces and connections between artists in different countries. Over the past 18 months, 3 members of [esc] have developed Project Potpourri to produce a digital publication, an international compendium of conversations and methods of collective art practices.  www.experimentalspacecollective.com

     

    Pragya Bhargava is an artist, researcher and educator based in India. 

    Sally Stenton is a multimedia artist who lives and works in Cambridgeshire, UK.

    Svetlana Atlavina is a university lecturer in FA and multimedia artist from Latvia, currently living in London.

     

    Access: these events will have live captions provided by Otter.AI and there is no requirement to have your camera on. If you have any other participation needs, please email us via [email protected] 

    One Shared Owner is supported by Creative Scotland.

     

    To Book: Register with Zoom in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.


  • published One Shared Owner: how artists work together in News 2024-04-10 15:33:30 +0100

    One Shared Owner: how artists work together

    This free series of online workshops from the Scottish Artists Union will explore how artists collaborate to develop their own models of support and representation.

    Read more

  • published Learning Directory in Learning Resources 2024-04-04 15:03:43 +0100

    Learning Directory

    Have you been thinking about learning new skills? Are you looking for new learning opportunities or specific training?

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  • published Trans Rights at Work in Campaigns 2024-04-04 11:11:24 +0100

    Trans Rights at Work: STUC Trans Equalities Guide 2023

    We support STUC Trans Policy Position:
    Transphobia has no place at work. Everyone should be safe to be themselves at work and be treated with dignity and respect. The STUC firmly supports trans people and the position of self-identification. The STUC has, and continues to proudly support campaigns to promote, protect, and advance the rights and livelihoods of transgender people in Scotland. It is STUC policy to support reforms of the 2004 Gender Recognition Reform Bill and self-identification. The STUC encourages all employers to embed trans inclusive workplace policies and to actively work with trade unions and LGBT+ workers to promote and achieve trans equality at work.

    Download the STUC Trans Equalities Guide 2023


  • published Artist Led Organisations in Scotland in Campaigns 2023-10-24 10:00:37 +0100

    Artist Led Organisations in Scotland

    Read the ‘Artist-Led Organisations in Scotland: Survey and Mapping of Activity’ research report, undertaken by Scottish Artists Union on behalf of Creative Scotland.

    Read more

  • In all our stimming brilliance: neurodiversity in contemporary arts practice

    A new, free series of online discussions introducing neurodiversity and neurodivergent identity to arts practitioners as part of our Learning Programme.

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  • How to write a funding application: Free online workshop with Briana Pegado

    Thursday 31 August, 10:00 - 12:30, Online via Zoom

    Are you thinking of applying for funding for your practice, project, or a collaboration and don't know where to start? Do you know the basics, but would like to improve your skills? Perhaps you don't know where to even find funds in the first place? 

    This practical online workshop led by Briana Pegado will take you through the process of writing a successful funding application. It aims to cover all aspects of structuring your application and offer top tips and advice to ensure that your submissions have every chance of success. The workshop will focus on:

    • How to talk about yourself and your practice using a personal values compass

    • How to write a good funding application based on a strong proposal

    • How to think about evaluating and monitoring your impact as an artist 

    • How to budget, including how to calculate in-kind costs

    • Resources you can use to guide you

    • A very quick intro to different types of funding and fundraising

    This 2.5 hour Zoom workshop will involve some practical writing exercises, so bring along something to write or type with. There will also be Q+A, where we will be encouraging questions and discussion from participants. There may be an opportunity for you to discuss your work with a partner in virtual breakout rooms, but if you would prefer not to work 1:1, Briana can adapt the workshop to the collective's needs.

    Workshop leader, the amazing Briana Pegado, is an artist and author of Make Good Trouble: A Guide to the Energetics of Disruption. She works as an anti-racism facilitator and consultant for arts organisations including Glasgow International, the Glasgow Connected Arts Network, and Africa In Motion Festival. She is Founder of the Edinburgh Student Arts Festival (ESAF), Community Engagement Producer for OMOS, and former Co-Director of We Are Here Scotland.

    **NOW FULLY BOOKED**


  • First Aid for Mental Health - more info

    3 part online course via Zoom 

    Wednesday 12th July, 6:30 - 8:30pm

    Wednesday 26th July, 6:30 - 8:30pm

    Wednesday 2nd August, 6:30 - 8:30pm

    Each year approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition and research has shown that work is the biggest cause of stress which can stop people performing at their best. This course is aimed at artists, craft makers and art workers at all stages in their career who work with people in community or socially engaged projects and want to gain an accreditation from the First Aid Awards (SCQF level 5).

    This 6-hour qualification provides learners with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions, how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek appropriate professional help. Learners will know how to recognise and manage stress and understand the impact of substance abuse. They will learn about the first aid action plan for mental health, be able to put it in place and know how to implement a positive mental health culture in their workplace. Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this can only be carried out by healthcare professionals but will gain the knowledge to identify when a person may have a condition and know where they can go to get help.

    Please find more information and learning outcomes here: Qualification Specification (PDF)

     

    Assessment 

    The whole course will be delivered live online with everyone together then each person will have a 1:1 with the trainer online, at an agreed time for them (takes approx 15 minutes) to complete a professional discussion applying the action plan for mental health that was discussed throughout the course. This will include a 13 question assessment mainly multiple choice answers all relatable to the content delivered and the candidate needs to achieve 20 out of a possible 27 points to pass. Each question will be spoken over with the trainer and the answer typed up together.

     

    Book Now

    Being as this course is accredited you will need to attend all three online sessions in person and then complete the assessment. Sessions will not be recorded and so please make sure you are able to attend all the dates before reserving your place. Spaces are limited to 16 people and allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will hold a reserve list and may run the course again if it’s over subscribed.

    Please email Kirsten on [email protected] to register your interest.


  • Two free online courses for February - March 2023

    Art, Work & Power : Online 5 part course //

    Art & Social Practice : Online 4 part course //

    Read more

  • published Digital Detox - new 2 part online course! in News 2022-11-08 15:46:38 +0000

    Digital Detox - new online course!

    As artists and makers are still juggling online and IRL workloads, the union are advocating for everyone to consider undertaking a digital detox during December. To help you get ready, this free course, will look at ways we can improve our relationship with technology, and how we can use it in a more positive, and less intrusive way.

    The recordings from this course are available for members to watch in the Learning Resources area until Monday 9th January 2023 (please note: you will need to be logged in as a member to access this page).

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  • published Learning Events in October! in News 2022-09-30 09:45:29 +0100

    Learning Events in October!

    This October the SAU's learning programme contains FREE workshops, walks and talks in person from Ullapool to Ayr including a series of events, developed in collaboration with Scottish Union Learning and EIS, and lead by members in the Highlands to celebrate Black History Month.

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  • published A Guide to Copyright with DACS in News 2022-07-15 14:59:12 +0100

    A Guide to Copyright with DACS

    Wednesday 27 July, 10:30am, Online via Zoom, FREE training event!

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  • published Artists Walking Group in News 2022-05-04 12:35:02 +0100

    Artists Walking Group

    A series of six monthly artist-led walks funded by Scottish Union Learning in the Highlands & Islands; for members to meet up in person and enjoy good company in a safe environment. We are getting out and about, moving around, walking, talking, thinking, and having some time out from our studios, offices, screens and chairs! These walks are open to all members and supported by a series of online presentations from the artists leading the walks, so please tune in even if you can't attend the walk!

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  • published More Info in How to run a successful rural arts project? 2022-04-05 14:58:18 +0100

    More Info

    Join artists Lynne Strachan and Mary Bourne as they talk about their project Cabrach Reconnections in remote upland Moray, and Virginia Hutchison as she shares her project Stories of Radical Landownership in North Lewis. Followed by a discussion on what works and what to avoid!

     

    About Cabrach Reconnections

    During 2021 Moray-based artists, Lynne Strachan and Mary Bourne developed an arts project in The Cabrach, a remote upland area just on the Moray side of the border with Aberdeenshire. The project’s aim was to find ways for people to reconnect with each other through arts activities and to get out and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife in the area, reconnecting with nature. Having spent time with the people in this place, the artists produced an exhibition exploring some of the challenges facing the local community.

    Instagram @cabrachreconnections

    About Stories of Radical Landownership in North Lewis

    Produced in collaboration with artist Virginia Hutchison this project brings together narratives surrounding the community land buyout of the Galson Estate in 2007. Created during the COVID pandemic in 2020/2021 the project weaves together local audio archives and interviews and brings them into contemporary conversations surrounding community land ownership. With access and social distancing measures in mind the project has taken the form of a series of cast bronze artefacts temporarily sited in the landscape of North Lewis. Embedded with digital QR codes the artefacts link visitors directly to the audio works via mobile phone.

    “If you didn’t know the names of these places you couldn’t talk about them.” [1]

    Underpinning the interviews are recitals of the Gaelic place-names that define North Lewis. A gentle call and response between Gaelic and English - though not a direct translation - through the landscape, geography and history of the area. 

    This project was produced in conversation with artists Stephen Hurrel and Fiona Rennie. Many thanks to the Galson Estate staff and community. Special thanks to Agnes and Frank Rennie, Lisa Maclean, Annie MacSween, Iain Gordon Macdonald, Richard Collins (Edinburgh University), Edinburgh College of Art and Blackbay Recording Studios. 


    [1] Annie Macsween, Faclan 2020, A History with Heart and Soul – The Place-names of North Lewis, Ness Historical Society

    Artists' Biographies

    Mary Bourne and Lynne Strachan have (scarily) over 50 years’ experience of engagement and public realm work between them. They have worked together before, but always for a client.  Lockdown gave them a chance to take stock and they decided they would like to put their experience to use, shaping a project, Cabrach Reconnections, which they believed would have the best possible chance of successful outcomes for everyone involved. They are grateful to Creative Scotland for enabling them to realise this project.

    www.marybourne.co.uk

    www.curiouscranberry.co.uk

     

    Virginia Hutchison is an artist based in Glasgow and the Isle of Lewis. Working within a predominantly social context her practice draws on the processes involved in collaborative creative production to explore how different forms of artistic engagement influence the interaction we have with our environments. Virginia currently runs the bronze casting facilities at Edinburgh College of Art and is one part of the duo ’In the Shadow of the Hand’ with artist and film-maker Sarah Forrest. A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Virginia currently sits of the board of Directors at An Lanntair Arts Centre in Stornoway.

    Instagram @hutch_vc


  • published Lèirsinn nan Gàidheal: Gaelic Visual Arts in News 2022-01-14 15:58:52 +0000

    Lèirsinn nan Gàidheal: Gaelic Visual Arts

    Start the new year with a new online course from 19 January to 16 February 2022. This five-week exploration into Gàidhlig aims to deepen your understanding of Gaelic language, its cultural context and visual representations.

    Read more

  • published Instagram for Artists in News 2021-12-02 18:59:09 +0000

    Instagram for Artists - online course this December

    "In today's climate, social media is a great leveller that brings artists into contact with the people who love their work. … for artists working in visual media, Instagram is an incredibly useful tool that can fuel your success when used effectively."

    Navigating the Art World: Professional Practice for the Early Career Artist, Delphian, 2020

    Read more

  • One Shared Owner: How artists talk about working together

    This free series of online workshops from the Scottish Artists Union will explore how artists collaborate to develop their own models of support and representation.

     

    “There is power in artists working together to make things happen” Manifesto for Artist-Led Work

     

    Each of the six sessions are hosted by an invited artist-led organisation which will provide a provocation and facilitate discussion around a range of topics that impact collective working.

    Read more

  • published Artists Fair Work Toolkit in Campaigns 2021-05-06 14:14:17 +0100

    Artists Fair Work Toolkit

    Fair Work is work that offers all individuals an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect. It balances the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers. It generates benefits for individuals, organisations and society.

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  • published Intersect: an intersectional discussion group in Blog 2021-04-29 21:57:41 +0100

    Intersect: an intersectional discussion group

    Intersectionality is an analytical framework for understanding how aspects of a person's social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilegeIt is important that as a union, we take into account the intersections of class, poverty, race, religion, disability, LGBTQIA, geography, literacy, access to education, and social capital when considering access to union learning and support. 
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