RGU launches accelerator to support next generation of creatives

The new initiative, which will run for 12 weeks from June, is being run by Look Again, part of Gray’s School of Art, in collaboration with the university’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group (EIG).

The programme is open to anyone and applications are now being sought from those working in the creative industries, with successful applicants receiving up to £1,500 of funding each. 

Those accepted on the creative accelerator will benefit from training, mentorship and development opportunities, as well as a work space at the new Look Again project space in Aberdeen, to help launch their business or take their existing concept to the next level.

Classes covering creative entrepreneurship, customers, commercialisation, brand and marketing will be delivered in the RGU Innovation Space at the new ONE Tech Hub, which opens in the summer.

Hilary Nicoll, Co-Director of Look Again at Gray’s School of Art, commented: “Look Again Aberdeen is delighted to join forces with RGU’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group to provide this new business support programme specially designed for the creative industries. 

“Our aim is that this will inspire ambitious creative talent to stay in the north east, enhancing the growing scene in the city and making it a more vibrant and exciting place to be.”

Libby Curtis, Head of Gray’s School of Art at RGU, added: “It's fantastic to see Look Again supporting creative talent in the north east by building on its annual festival in this way.

“We know there is an issue with retaining creative talent in the region and this is an important and ambitious initiative which will be of tremendous benefit, not only to our graduates but to other creative start-ups in the north east.”

Creative Industries specialist at Creative Scotland, Andrew Leitch, said: “It is recognised that retaining creative talent is vital to the development of a healthy creative industries ecology.  

“Look Again has developed the Creative Accelerator with RGU as a new initiative which will benefit not only graduates, but also emerging creative enterprises, to help encourage ambitious creative talent to stay in the north east, enhancing the growing creative industries sector in the city, and making Aberdeen a more vibrant and exciting place to be.”

Anyone wishing to apply to the RGU Creative Accelerator can do so by visiting the Look Again website.