New graduate development programme launched for Moray's emerging visual artists
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VISUAL art graduates in Moray can apply to be part of a new graduate development programme designed to help them kickstart a freelance career.
Applicants have until March 6, to apply for a place on Circus Graduates Associates, developed by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and artist-run Circus Artspace.
The initiative is open to all visual art graduates of UHI in Moray.
The 10-month programme begins in March. A blend of online teaching and face-to-face sessions will be used, supported by practitioners working in the creative sector to teach its first cohort of 30 students.
The initiative is supported by XpoNorth, Creative Scotland and the UHI Knowledge Exchange challenge fund. The industry backing has helped to make the programme financially accessible, with those selected to join being asked to pay a one-off fee of £30 to secure and confirm their place.
Circus Artspace co-founder Kirsten Body said: "We established Circus Artspace as an artist-run initiative in 2019 with graduate support at its core. Through this new programme we want to mentor the next generation of artists based in our region by bridging the gap for recent graduates between their visual art training and a freelance career within the sector.
"We are delighted to continue our relationship with university partnership and hope to broaden the programme's reach thanks to support from our industry partners. Our aim for this first cohort is to build a supportive community of practice in the face of Covid-19 and increased isolation as well as open up new opportunities for recent graduates across the region."
Rachel Fermi, programme leader (joint) of the BA (Hons) art and contemporary practice at UHI, added: "This is a forward-thinking partnership with Circus Artspace which will allow us to continue to support our visual art graduates and help them navigate their career pathways during these uncertain times."
Iain Hamilton, head of creative industries of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: "We are fortunate to have so many talented artists in the region, and this is a fantastic opportunity for them to make sure that they have the skills they need to make a career out of their talents."
To apply visit www.circus.scot/graduate-associates-apply or email hello@circus.scot.
