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New partnership brings 'Next Move' to Wales
Next Move is an innovative setting up scheme designed to put new designer-makers on the fast track. Developed by the Crafts Council and Arts Council England, North West, in 2000 'Next Move' is now available through two host colleges in Wales.
Working in partnership with a host college or university it provides a workspace, access to specialist equipment, grants, training and promotion opportunities in a supportive environment. 2007 marked the beginning of a new partnership between the Arts Council of Wales, the Crafts Council and Welsh Universities to expand Next Move through a pilot project.
The essence of a Next Move residency is a beneficial two-way relationship between the placement and the host college who provides free workspace and access to specialist equipment for the assistance of the design, prototyping and realisation of new work, plus facilities to help with the running of a creative business. Placements give back to the colleges in the form of teaching, mentoring and interaction with staff and students. Other benefits offered over the two-year placement period include maintenance and equipment grants, a programme of professional development and business training and support from the Crafts Council and the Arts Council of Wales.
Nathalie Camus, Senior Applied Arts Officer at the Arts Council of Wales, is convinced of the benefits of Next Move: 'The establishment of Next Move in Wales is timely as it enables us at the Arts Council of Wales to go some way to fulfilling our current priorities in attracting new talents and fostering a broad, viable and ambitious Applied Arts sector. By working in tandem with the Crafts Council we can not only attract new makers and businesses but also offer them support and facilitate access to diverse national and international markets, increasing prospects and possibilities for Wales based makers, as well as increasing the profile of the Applied Arts in Wales as a whole.'
The Welsh placements will enjoy the same benefits as the English ones, with training events and promotional opportunities jointly attended and held throughout England and Wales. These will provide networking opportunities for all involved and will certainly illustrate Wales' important role in ensuring the future success of such a valuable scheme.
Show latest news, more from June 2008.
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