What
The Artist Network is for professional artists living in, and/or creative organisations based in North Lanarkshire. You might be a dancer, choreographer, director, community drama facilitator, painter, writer, film maker, podcaster, craft specialist, musician, sound designer – whatever your artform this is the network for you!
Why
Initially set up in February 2022 linked to “Art is Everywhere” – a AHRC place-based knowledge exchange research project between the University of Edinburgh and North Lanarkshire Council, led by the Arts Development Team. The network was developed to build a better understanding of the creative industry within North Lanarkshire.
Our aim was (and still is) to build stronger working relationships with professional artists and organisations. North Lanarkshire has an abundance of creative activity, and the Arts Development Team wanted to cultivate this network to better serve the communities of North Lanarkshire as well as nurturing the artists working in the authority.
The story so far
The network kicked off with consultation sessions for both the performing and visual & digital arts. These were led by an impartial facilitator and offered artists and organisations the opportunity to shape what the network would be. It was clear from the outset that even though the artforms of those attending were vastly different, their want and need from a network was very similar. The decision was made to host one collective platform which encompasses the diverse range of artists living and working in North Lanarkshire.
Why sign up?
Member benefits include:
- Networking opportunities
- Regular newsletters
- Opportunity to spotlight your practice/ organisation
- Access to funding
- Training and upskilling
- Sharing practice
- Better understanding of local arts provision
- Access to closed Facebook Group, enabling you to engage with creatives across North Lanarkshire
Join Us
Interested in being part of the network and attending one of our events? Sign up by completing this form and someone from the Arts Development Team will be in touch.
Any questions or queries please email arts@northlan.gov.uk with ‘Artists Network Sign Up Query’ in the subject line.
What’s coming up?
CoLab: A Creative Drop‑In with North Lanarkshire Arts Development Team
Join us for CoLab, an open and collaborative space where North Lanarkshire’s Artist Network can connect directly with the Arts Development Team. Whether you’re looking for a workspace, seeking funding advice, exploring partnership opportunities, or trying to get a new idea off the ground, CoLab is a chance to talk it through with people who can help.
Drop in for a chat and our team will support you by troubleshooting, offering guidance, and signposting to the right opportunities and resources. CoLab is all about conversation, connection, and finding practical ways to move your creative projects forward. Feel free to bring along any project proposals/storyboards/funding applications.
Please note, these sessions are drop in.
March – Community Arts Facilitation Workshop
Friday 13 March
6.30-8pm
Bellshill Cultural Centre (Bellshill Library)
This session will focus on the essentials of planning, leading, and managing workshops in your chosen art form. It’s ideal for artists who have never delivered a workshop before or who would like to strengthen their facilitation practice. Together, we’ll explore practical tools, tips, and approaches that can help you feel prepared, adaptable, and confident when working with groups.
Whether you’re interested in delivering community arts sessions, education-focused activities, or creative engagement projects, this workshop will offer a supportive space to learn and ask questions.
To book a space email McIverla@northlan.gov.uk with the subject line “Facilitation Skills Workshop for Creatives”. Please indicate your art form.
All sessions are free to network members. Not a member yet? Be sure to sign up!