RGU exhibitions set to showcase creative entrepreneurship

TWO exhibitions celebrating creative entrepreneurs from Robert Gordon University (RGU) are taking place at Gray’s School of Art’s Look Again, Project Space this spring.

The Creative Entrepreneurship Showcase, which is the first in person exhibition since the course began at the start of the pandemic, starts this Thursday and runs until Saturday, May 28 with two cohorts featuring.

The showcase includes a vibrant mix of creative entrepreneurs from a range of backgrounds including upholsterers, ceramicists, graphic designers, book binders, illustrators, digital designers, fashion and textiles designers, painters and photographers.

One of the creative entrepreneurs who developed her skills on RGU’s Creative Entrepreneurship course is Andrea Chappel of Acme Atelier.

Andrea has since established a new collection of contemporary kilts and textiles.

Reflecting on her experience of the course, she said: “I have a huge belief and passion for what I do, but far less belief in myself.

"It has been fundamental for me to acknowledge this, as I didn’t see this as a problem previously.

"Through the Creative Entrepreneurship Course, this has changed dramatically and needs to continue to step up. I have a clear insight into the things I should do. The things I want to do. And the things I need to do.

“The course has given me an invaluable journey of self-discovery and one that I can reflect upon in life alongside business as I continue to learn, adapt and invent as I go.”

Look Again Co-Director Hilary Nicoll said; “It is so exciting to be hosting an in person Creative Entrepreneurship Showcase.

"It is such a great course that opens up so many opportunities and an amazing network for creatives across Scotland.

“We’ve come on an amazing journey since our first cohort of students started in the first week of the first lockdown. With the pandemic ongoing, we moved the course fully online and attracted students from across the north-east, as well as the central belt and as far afield as Iona.

"We celebrated our students in a digital showcase but now we can really highlight their success through our in-person exhibition.”

Sally Charles, Learning Manager from RGU’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group, added: “We’re looking forward to delivering the next Creative Entrepreneurship course and are excited to be delivering some in-person sessions this year.

"The course really brings together entrepreneurial and creative expertise and helps people as they develop their creative business ventures. Robert Gordon University is committed to promoting innovation and skills in the north-east and this course is one way of achieving this.”

The Creative Entrepreneurship course is open to practitioners aiming to take their existing creative business to the next level, whether already established or in its early stages. It provides learners with a business toolkit, an opportunity to meet and learn from like-minded people and expert guidance from facilitators and established entrepreneurs.

Highlighting the contribution that the Creative Entrepreneurship course has for skills across the North east, Vice Principal for Academic Development and Student Experience, Lynne Kilbride said: “It is just fantastic that a course delivered by RGU can enable talented and creative individuals to achieve their full potential.

"The course not only benefits individual skills and confidence but also brings joy and pleasure to a wider audience, as people experience their talents.”

The initiative is an innovative collaboration between the University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group (EIG) and the Look Again team. This short course is fully funded by the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council as part of the North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF) for applicants who live in the north-east of Scotland with an AB postcode.

It is a credit bearing Masters level qualification which allows participants to accumulate further credits and achieve a full postgraduate qualification over time.

The call for applications is now open, with a deadline of April 18, 2022. The course will start on May 24. To find out more about the Creative Entrepreneurship course or how to apply visit https://lookagainaberdeen.co.uk/creative-entrepreneurship-course