Support for artists
The Blast Creative Network (BCN) offers local artists support with: funding applications, we host artist socials and networking events, portfolio reviews, crit exchanges with other artist networks alongside a public programme of talks, workshops, reading groups.
Scroll down to find out more about our current support programme, to find a list of resources for artists and to learn about our past programme.
“I wanted to share with you some fantastic news that I was successful with my DYCP application this time round. I must acknowledge your support as part of the reason this was possible. You offered to set up a session to support with my next application, which was hugely helpful and you wrote a fantastic support letter. I’m so grateful and can’t thank you enough!!!”
Shannel
We want to hear from you! What would you like to see for artists in the area?
We’re asking local artists* (*Sandwell and Black Country based) what you would like to see for artists in the area. This is part of a consultation, to find out what local artists are envisioning for the future. Fill in the form via the button below to let us know what you think.
Link to the form
Current
Tools for Practice – Workshop Series
A free five-part workshop series for artists, at all stages in their journey, to learn and talk through practical skills. The toolkit includes: processes to help you stay organised and playful while working on projects and making, with André Anderson; breaking down marketing and promoting yourself online, while being yourself in the process, with Designer Philly; building confidence for networking and sharing your practice with Mikayla Sinead; identifying your own potential barriers to access and making an access rider with Samiir Saunders; and the practicalities of curating your own show, including how to find funding,working with collaborators and alternative routes into curating with Lisa Kennedy. Places are limited; booking is essential.
Fundraising support: Working on a funding application? Looking for some advice?
As part of Multistory and BCN’s ambition to support more local artists to secure funding for their practice, we fund 6 places for artists to have a one-to-one mentoring session with an experienced fundraiser a year. These sessions take place online, and you can use them to talk through any kind of funding application you are working on. They are a great way to get insightful feedback on your application before you submit it! These sessions are available first come, first served. If you would like to secure a place, please contact Rene Francis-McBrearty (Project Co-ordinator): [email protected] / 07562 980384.
Resources for artists
A platform to share and highlight the work of working class creatives. Click here.
A comprehensive list of art opportunities, updated regularly, offers a membership scheme (paid). Click here.
An extensive list of resources for artists, including fundraising support, networks, legal advice, start up guides and places to look for opportunities. Click here.
An extensive list of resources LADA thinks are useful to artists working in Live Art and contemporary performance in the UK. Click here.
Collaboration Agreements can help disabled artists feel confident that the needs of disabled people have been thought about when designing public-facing projects. This document is a template to help you make a Collaboration Agreement setting out how an artist and an organisation will work together to create public-facing work. Click here.
An extensive list of resources including: “How to Make an Access Rider; How to Write a Kick Ass Application; A Toolkit for Artists and Freelancers When Asked to Work for Nothing.” Click here.
This library is a resource of successful funding applications that you can learn from. Click here.
This page is designed to help artists and their employers to determine fair pay for artists’ labour. Click here.
“This Access Toolkit for Artworkers is a practical resource for artworkers, such as curators, producers and arts administrators working independently or in galleries, museums and arts organisations. This toolkit contains practical information on how to plan, produce, and exhibit accessible art projects including information on access riders, financial planning, slow production, display, and creating an accessible workplace.” Click here.
