Cool contemporary art scheme gets cash reward
Published on: 06-Aug-2007
Arts Council England has awarded a grant of nearly £100,000 to the University of Northampton for a top scheme that encourages local contemporary art projects into business.The Midlands' institution opened its Portfolio Innovation Centre in May 2006, to afford local artists the opportunity to set up their own firms as they look to make their way in the design and creative industries. The centre also hosts a Creative Cafe where budding artists can share ideas and art over coffee and cake.
Having already helped 14 local contemporary art stars into business in its first year, the Centre has been selected for extra funding to help further develop up-and-coming contemporary art stars in the region.
"The centre encourages new business start-ups in the arts and makes affordable space available to local artists. It also provides a hub for the creative economy in the county," commented Wendy Nikolaidis, Innovation Centre Manager.
"This funding enables us to expand our support to young businesses and encourages innovation in the arts."
The Arts Council will invest more than £1 billion between 2006 and 2008 as it aims to extend the reach of the creative industries across the UK.
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