QUEER CREATIVES SCHEME.
At Blossom we believe in empowering queer people through authentic expression, life skills, and social opportunities. Our queer creatives scheme is no different, we focus on growing, nurturing, and empowering local creative talent. We do this through a 6 to 12 month programme aimed to launch the careers of queer creatives in Surrey.
COACHING & LEARNING
We know that planning workshops, setting rates, and even pricing your work can be tricky. Within this scheme, you will have direct access to a business coach, a number of exclusive workshops & lessons, and networking spaces to guide you through your entry into the world of being a creative.
PAID EXPERIENCE
Beyond classroom learning, we’ll ensure you get the experience and know how to benefit from your creative experience through delivering workshops. Over the span of the programme you’ll have the opportunity to facilitate a minimum of one workshop at a day rate of £250.
EXHIBITION
Everyone who partakes in the programme will receive an exclusive invite to feature their work as part of an annual art exhibition alongside some of the fantastic results from the workshops they’ve delivered and other established queer artists. You’ll even be able to sell your work at a price set by you.
FAQ
How long is the programme?
You’ll have access to a four month structured programme which includes a number of classes and planned experience then a further four months of informal coaching & mentoring when you need it.
How much time do I need to commit?
You’ll ideally need to commit to at least one half a day class a month with dates TBC – but don’t let this put you off if you have a day job, we can be flexible. You’ll also ideally have availability to host at least two paid workshops during the programme.
What type of artists do you work with?
Through our work we run two different types of workshops; Visual arts and performing arts. As long as your work falls into one of these categories then we’d love to hear from you. Sadly we’d be unable to partner with digital only artists due to the nature of our workshops.
Do I need to buy resources?
Thanks to a very kind contribution by The Arts Council, we can provide all of the learning materials, all of the workshop materials, and we’ll even contribute towards the costs associated to exhibiting your work. That being said, we have a very strict budget and therefore if you choose to spend above the allocated costs (which we’ll tell you!) then you’ll need to contribute this yourself.
Why Blossom?
Established in 2019, Blossom is one of Surrey’s leading LGBTQ+ not for profits focusing on empowering queer young adults to succeed. We’ve been running queer art workshops since 2021. We’ve partnered with some truly amazing artists who have gone on to achieve amazing feats including having work featured in the Tate Modern, The Fringe, and more.
What Learning will I do?
We have a number of workshops planned for our artists which include:
- Digital Marketing
- Bookkeeping & accounting
- Sales & Commissions
- Facilitation skills
Where do I need to live?
This programme uses hybrid learning (a mixture of in person and online) which means there are times we’ll need to meet in person. A lot of the work delivered in person will be in Woking & Guildford and we’ve set aside a small pot of money to help those with limited finances travel to these spaces. Ideally candidates with live within Surrey, however, you can still apply if you’re in South East England but we may not be able to support with your travel expenses.
How can I learn more?
If you’re not yet as excited about the scheme as we are then you can get in touch with our team by emailing info@blossom.lgbt to discuss any questions that you may have.
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
First, you’ll need to make sure you’re the right person for the scheme by reading through our short-person spec then you can complete our short application form.
