Creative Steps funds the professional, business and organisational development of artists who have experienced barriers to careers within the arts.

Creative Steps for Individuals is for supporting career development, and NOT for creating new work or project delivery. For example, creating artwork to sell online would not be applicable but working with a mentor to develop your painting skills would be. 

We want artists to identify exactly what they need to progress and professionalise their artistic career, and to remain open to exploring different ways of doing this with our support. 

We recognise that everybody’s needs are different and that professional development varies from individual to individual. However, these are some of the things that your application could include:

• Peer-to-peer learning - Working with someone with similar experiences to help you work out the steps you need to take next
• Training courses - related to your creative journey (but not formal education such as degree courses or vocational training)
• Building Networks – Setting up groups with other artists to learn together and from each other.
• Mentorship / Coaching - Working with someone with professional experience to support you as you take the next steps in your artistic development
• Business Development / Social Media / Marketing Advice - Making your practice more professional
• Website Development / Marketing Materials / Equipment or Materials - Developing practical resources or tools to help professionalise your practice or creativity 
• Setting up a new organisation

When completing the budget, you should include the following:

• Cost of your own time
• Costs for any freelancers involved in your plan 
• Costs for any mentors or consultants
• Any access costs
• Costs for childcare or other caregiving responsibilities

We expect all applicants to pay freelancers the standard industry rates as a minimum. If people are providing their time in-kind, we would need to know why and have this confirmed in a letter of support from them.