Vanilla Ink, Scotland’s unique jewellery studio has opened up for round 3 of its incubator programme which is committed to developing new talent by providing a supportive incubator ‘pod’ for 6 months. Following on from their diverse and successful first year in Glasgow, Vanilla Ink is now open for applications for the 2016 programme.
Founded in Dundee in 2009, Vanilla Ink has been a great starting block for many of Scotland’s talented jewellery graduates – with many Dundee jewellers starting off in Vanilla Ink including; Scarlett Erskine, Joanne MacFadyen and Filipa Oliveira.
As well as practical jewellery making skills, the programme will be offering tailored professional development workshops, bespoke mentoring, access to a fully equipped jewellery studio and Meet the Maker events, to jewellers who are looking to set up on their own.
“We think there is a difference between making and running a successful business; that the difference between having a dream and making it real is understanding the market and your place in it; there is a need for a supportive transition from education to independent success as a maker.” says Kate, founder of Vanilla Ink.
The programme for emerging jewellers at the start of their careers runs for 6 months from April – September 2016. Successful applicants will be expected to commit to the programme. Vanilla Ink has spent some time developing the structure of the programme and has worked hard to bring in a host of brilliant partners to deliver the professional development workshops, skills development workshops (that will be tailored to your needs), monthly bespoke mentoring and regular events.
The programme now operates on two levels;
The full programme (limited to 5 places only) –
- Full access to the 6 month programme
- Monthly professional development
- Monthly bespoke one to one mentoring
- Monthly ‘Meet the Maker’ events
- Monthly tailored skills development workshop in partnership with The Incorporation of Goldsmiths’
- Access to a fully equipped studio with lockable drawers, shared resources and internet access.
- Discounted membership to MAKLab
The Professional Development programme –
- Monthly professional development programme
- Monthly bespoke one to one mentoring
- Monthly ‘Meet the Maker’ events
- A chance to access selected skills development workshops (at a discounted rate)
- Discounted membership to MAKLab
Eligibility – to be eligible for the programme the following are the minimum requirements;
- Have completed their studies or training (no formal education required)
- Be within 3 years of starting out in the jewellery industry
- A portfolio of recent work
- Be committed to the development of their practice in the hopes of making it their full-time occupation
- Commit to the programme for the full 6 months
- Be expected to attend an interview ahead of the programme in April
- Provide two references with your application
Full programme info and application pack is available at vanillainkstudios.co.uk/programme