North East creatives offered fully funded artists' weekend
Tuesday 21 January 2025
In the first of its kind in the North East, the Founding FINE residency will take place from 21 to 24 March at the Sir Arthur Grant Centre in Monymusk, and will be delivered by cultural leaders from FINE on behalf of Culture Aberdeen, with the support of Look Again at Gray's School of Art.
The initiative builds on the success of the group’s inaugural State of Independence event, held in 2023, that brought freelancers together to connect, share ideas, and develop projects to redefine freelancers’ profiles in the North-East.
The group has received £63,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and a portion of the funding is dedicated to supporting the ‘Founding FINE’ residency, which has been designed and programmed by FINE's founding members.
During the residency weekend, participants will take part in a curated programme of workshops and activities led by freelance arts and cultural workers connected to the North-East. The sessions will focus on celebrating creative practices, building connections to establish a FINE network, and collaboratively developing the 2025–26 action plan.
Spaces are fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and throughout the residency, time will be set aside for reflection, to encourage participants to unwind together through shared meals, campfires, music, and creative expression.
Sally Reaper, Director of Look Again at Gray's School of Art, reflected on the importance of supporting freelancers and her personal connection: "As a freelancer myself, I understand the challenges and triumphs that come with independent creative practice. Supporting members of FINE from its very inception has been incredibly meaningful. I've seen firsthand the passion and determination of its founding members to create a network that genuinely uplifts freelancers in the North-East.
"The Founding FINE residency is a space for freelancers to collaborate, share ideas, and build a sustainable and supportive creative community. I’m proud that Look Again can help foster this much-needed platform for growth and creativity."
Dr Dan Allen, Dean of Gray's School of Art, highlighted how the FINE residency aligns with Gray's School of Art and Robert Gordon University's broader commitment to fostering creativity: "Gray's School of Art, as part of Robert Gordon University, has a longstanding commitment to supporting creative talent in the North-East. This residency exemplifies how we can extend our support beyond academic settings to uplift freelance practitioners, enriching both the local economy and the cultural landscape. This initiative reflects our dedication to nurturing creative communities and fostering meaningful industry connections."
Hayley Durward, Co-Chair of Culture Aberdeen, endorsed the impact of this initiative: “The Founding FINE residency is an initiative that creates opportunities for freelancers in the North-East. By providing a fully funded space for hands-on workshops, creative exploration, and meaningful networking, this residency addresses identified challenges faced by freelance creative workers. It offers a rare and valuable opportunity for freelancers to connect, collaborate, and push the boundaries of their practice. Culture Aberdeen is pleased to contribute to this programme, which will support creatives to thrive and contribute to the cultural sector across our region."
The FINE residency directly addresses the challenges faced by freelance creatives by offering a nurturing environment for connection, experimentation, and creativity. This initiative aims to drive cultural innovation and build a more inclusive, visible and dynamic freelance sector in Aberdeen and beyond.
The FINE residency promises to elevate the voices of local creatives and inspire new connections that will shape the cultural future of freelancers in the North East.
Culture Aberdeen is a membership organisation bringing together cultural organisations and partners to champion the power of arts, culture, and creativity across the city. Through its strategic initiatives, Culture Aberdeen strives to inspire and connect communities, enhance well-being, and position Aberdeen as a cultural destination on the national and international stage. By fostering partnerships and supporting creative practitioners, the organisation plays a vital role in enriching the city’s cultural landscape and shaping its future.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and places, supporting local businesses, and people and skills.
Image (left to right) shows Bigit Itse, Sally Reaper, Claire Abbott.
