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
What’s coming up?
Monday 11 March: Business and the Creative Industries. A day of sessions delivered in partnership with Business Gateway and NLC Enterprise Team. View the programme and book tickets.
April: The Creative Industries and Sustainability. Have you thought of the environmental impact of your artform and how you might reduce this?
June: Summer Social and Networking Event
Sept & Oct: Artform specific sessions. An opportunity to develop your skills and engage with likeminded creatives in North Lanarkshire. These sessions will be delivered in partnership with National Organisations. Specific sessions will be announced June 2024.
Dec: Petcha Kucha and Winter Social
All sessions are free to network members. Not a member yet? Be sure to sign up!
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.