Are you a creative practitioner or professional working, or wanting to work in, diversity?

Essex Cultural Diversity Project runs a programme of Salons, which are networking events offering professional support, insight and training to creative practitioners, professionals and organisations working in diversity, in collaboration with partners across the East of England.

Our next Salon takes place on Saturday 7 September hosted by Designermakers21 in Diss in Norfolk, and provides an opportunity for creative practitioners in the area, and those engaged with their communities who want to develop creative projects, to bring their ideas for projects, programmes and collaborations, and access some advice and information sharing in a supportive environment. We will discuss making applications to Arts Council England and other funders, and discuss any relevant local opportunities.

Pictured above: Creatives at the Salon event in Rochford, 2023

Who Should Attend?

The event will be aimed at emerging or more established artists/arts organisations, or representatives from organisations who want to develop creative projects within diversity settings. Ideally based in South Norfolk or the wider East region, attendees may have had little or no prior experience of accessing funding support for diverse work in the region.

Our core mission is to energise diversity in arts and heritage. We know that diversity is different for everyone. Diversity for us means: cultural diversity | different ethnic backgrounds | low socio-economic backgrounds | LGBTQ+ | disability | neurodiversity | or an intersection of these. We often support artists and projects that engage with: deprived communities | marginalised voices | communities with little or no access to the Arts | those who are culturally curious or want to connect with where they live in different ways.

Programme

The programme for the day will include a session on applying for Arts Council England Project Grants. This includes:

• A presentation on the Arts Council England application process and time for questions and discussion. We can also look at other funding sources.
• We will be able to take ideas and concepts for projects and discuss them and consider how to approach the application process.
• We can discuss any local issues, context or opportunities (bring anything to the session you want to discuss)
• Lunch will be provided (with time for informal discussion and networking)

About Designermakers21
designermakers21.co.uk

The Salon will be hosted at Designermakers21, a crafts centre, gallery and creative workshop space in Diss, South Norfolk. Perched at the top of the Heritage Triangle opposite the Corn Hall it has become known for its unique mix of excellent craft, educational interest and warm and welcoming atmosphere. The space first opened in May 2013 with the support of the trustees of The Corn Hall and the generosity of Diss Quakers. Originally there were four craft studios opened to the public one day a week. Now the Designermakers CIO own the building following a successful fundraising campaign, and there are now over 20 members and associate members with specialisms in textiles, prints, sculptures, mosaics, jewellery, tailoring, weaving and carpentry.

To book:

This workshop is free but places are limited, so please book to secure your place.
Book at Eventbrite – https://ecdp-salon-diss.eventbrite.co.uk
For more information or if you have any queries, email jo@essexcdp.com