IDEASFACTORY Scotland is a Channel 4 Education initiative to support young people wanting to develop a career in creative industries – including the crafts sector.   It works on two levels, blending on-line and off-line activities.

The website www.channel4.com/ideasfactoryscotland promotes the work of creative individuals based in, or from, Scotland, to provide inspiration and information for others hoping to follow a similar career path and to demonstrate to the rest of the UK and beyond that the country has a rich culture of creativity and creative opportunities.

Within the site’s 15 ‘zones’ there is a range of information and guidance – from features on people who are already ‘doing it’ to e-learning modules, job descriptions, training and funding opportunities, small business tips and advice, and on-line activities and exercises to develop skills. 

The opportunities section lists up and coming training and skills development opportunities, and there are links to many other organisations who can help provide additional help and information.

There is also an active on-line community facility where the public can place small ads, take part in on-line forums, and post a profile explaining who they are and what they do – your chance to put yourself up on a Channel 4 website. 

Most of their craft features can be found in the Art & Design zone.  There are features about craft makers from around Scotland; from contemporary furniture designer Cecil Tait in Shetland to Edinburgh based jeweller Grainne Morton. 

In the Business, Training, Funding and Careers zones there is help and advice with features ranging from Home Sweet Home about working from home in the Business zone, to Start Up Advice about £1,000 business start up grants in the Funding and Awards zone. 

They also occasionally run training and networking events for those involved in the creative industries to develop their skills and contacts.  Either keep an eye on the website for future dates or sign up for their regular newsletter.

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