Creative Learning are inviting applications from Aberdeen-based creatives working in any art form and at various stages of their career, who are seeking to define and professionalise their creative practice.

Sustaining Life as a Creative (SLAAC) is a bespoke professional development programme now in its fifth year. SLAAC provides support to creatives who have already built up their artistic skills to a graduate or equivalent level and have an ongoing commitment to their creative practice. Individuals may be finding it difficult to refine, sustain or move their practice forward.

The programme builds on individuals’ skills, confidence and resilience required to pursue and sustain a career in the creative sector. The eight-month programme involves eight days of reflective and practical learning with experienced mentors and guest speakers who will present their own creative journeys, share their experience and knowledge of how they develop and sustain their own creative practices.

Individuals selected for the programme will map out and reflect on their own journeys to date and will be encouraged to take the time to discover where they want to go next. Through explorative, collaborative and reflective group sessions, individuals will be supported to plan, develop and present their creative practice to peers.

Dedicated mentors facilitating the programme will provide professional and practical support, provide useful tips, tools and contacts to assist individuals to build on their creative support networks.

Sessions will take place at Aberdeen Art Gallery Learning Space Saturdays 10-3pm.

8 February, 7 March, 14 March, 25 April, 30 May, 20 June, 22 August & 26 September.

The programme is heavily subsidised by Creative Learning, Aberdeen City Council. Successful applicants will be required to contribute a fee of £80 towards the programme, in 4 installments of £20.

Applications of interest should be emailed to mclarke@aberdeencity.gov.uk with the subject SLAAC 2020 by Sunday 26 January 2020 including the following:

A concise artist statement to describe your current Aberdeen based creative practice, to include your chosen art form, current projects and stage of career.
Artist CV.
3 quality images or links to online content that depict your creative practice.
State your interest in the programme and how you think it would be relevant to your personal and professional development at this time consider the following questions:

What are you doing now?
What would you want to be doing differently in 3 years’ time?
What support do you feel they need?

Confirm that you can make all 8 programme dates above.

An information session on the programme also takes place at 11am on Saturday 26th January at Aberdeen Art Gallery. Register here (Free Entry).