What
The Artist Network is for professional artists living in, and/or creative organisations based in North Lanarkshire. You might be a dancer, choreographer, director, community drama facilitator, painter, writer, film maker, podcaster, craft specialist, musician, sound designer – whatever your artform this is the network for you!
Why
Initially set up in February 2022 linked to “Art is Everywhere” – a AHRC place-based knowledge exchange research project between the University of Edinburgh and North Lanarkshire Council, led by the Arts Development Team. The network was developed to build a better understanding of the creative industry within North Lanarkshire.
Our aim was (and still is) to build stronger working relationships with professional artists and organisations. North Lanarkshire has an abundance of creative activity, and the Arts Development Team wanted to cultivate this network to better serve the communities of North Lanarkshire as well as nurturing the artists working in the authority.
The story so far
The network kicked off with consultation sessions for both the performing and visual & digital arts. These were led by an impartial facilitator and offered artists and organisations the opportunity to shape what the network would be. It was clear from the outset that even though the artforms of those attending were vastly different, their want and need from a network was very similar. The decision was made to host one collective platform which encompasses the diverse range of artists living and working in North Lanarkshire.
Why sign up?
Member benefits include:
- Networking opportunities
- Regular newsletters
- Opportunity to spotlight your practice/ organisation
- Access to funding
- Training and upskilling
- Sharing practice
- Better understanding of local arts provision
- Access to closed Facebook Group, enabling you to engage with creatives across North Lanarkshire
Join Us
Interested in being part of the network and attending one of our events? Sign up by completing this form and someone from the Arts Development Team will be in touch.
Any questions or queries please email arts@northlan.gov.uk with ‘Artists Network Sign Up Query’ in the subject line.
What’s coming up?
Introducing Creative Catch-Ups!
We’ve heard you loud and clear — our network members love connecting with fellow North Lanarkshire creatives! That’s why we’re launching Creative Catch-Ups — a relaxed, monthly drop-in where you can meet, chat, and share ideas with other artists and creatives from North Lanarkshire.
Most Catch-Ups will take place online via Microsoft Teams, hosted by one of our Arts Development Officers. No need to sign up, just look out for the link, which we’ll post on the Facebook Group on the morning of each session. For our special in-person events, simply turn up at the venue. If you’re not on Facebook, email arts@northlan.gov.uk and we’ll be sure to email you the links.
Each session lasts around an hour and offers an open, friendly space for creative conversations. Whether you want to introduce yourself, share a project you’re working on, pick up new ideas, or simply chat about life as a creative in North Lanarkshire, this is your space to do it.
Here’s info about the first four of our Creative Catch-Ups — pop them in your diary!
28th May, 11am – Online
25th June, 11am – Online
26th July, 1:30pm – Photomedia Studio, Summerlee
7th August, 10:30am – Online
We hope to have a virtual coffee with you soon! As always, if you have any questions, comment below or email arts@northlan.gov.uk
All sessions are free to network members. Not a member yet? Be sure to sign up!