SETTING UP SCHEME 2006-08
Working with the Design Initiative in Manchester. Matching new designers, craftmakers and artists up with host organisations such as universities, galleries and museums for a 2 year creative industry business incubation placement scheme.
Hosts offer their placements studio space and facilities as well as professional support, advice, opportunities and industry contacts. As well as building their business, placements act as designer in residence, working with hosts on design projects, outreach programmes, curation of exhibitions etc.
Co-ordination includes recruiting, mathcing and contracting hosts and new designers; meeting and monitoring outputs according to European ERDF and Arts Council funding; developing business training sessions for designers throughout their placement; and managing the ongoing support of the placements through central co-ordination and a mentoring programme.
To date 105 designers, makers and visual artists have completed the Setting Up Scheme over 14 years. The scheme has a 90% success rate in its placements setting up a successful business by the end of their 2 year programme.
Michelle Brand: Cascade - Setting Up Scheme 2005-07