Design Space
WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING A NEW GROUP OF DESIGNER MAKERS TO COMMENCE PLACEMENTS IN APRIL 2012. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS OPPORTUNITY, PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE ENQUIRY FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS WEBPAGE NO LATER THAN THE 29TH FEBRUARY 2012.
Design Space is a unique scheme funded by the EuropeanRegional Development Fund and Birmingham City Council. It gives free incubation space for up to 20 Designer Maker Jewellers. They share a fully equipped workshop and have office space with internet use and administrative facilities. Placements last up to 12 months and at the end of their time, the jewellers will become self-employed, running their brand new businesses. A package of business support is delivered to the fledgling businesses, and in addition, each business is linked with an industry mentor to help guide them and hone their business skills. The experience of sharing a workshop and similar goals is the essence of Design Space, providing an environment where innovative design can thrive.
The project stimulates the growth of start up jewellery design maker businesses in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, thereby supporting the network of casters, setters, bullion dealers and crafts people that trade and work alongside one another within this unique area of Birmingham.
In return, we ask only that you commit to self employment.
In April 2011 the current Design Space participants exhibited their work at the British Craft Fair held at Harrogate. The Design Space stand proved to be a great success, with Jemma Daniels being awarded a ‘Commended’ in the British Jewellers Association Award for Excellence. Last years Design Space participant Anna Calvert also won the Craft and Design Magazine Best Newcomer Award.
Winner - See Sun Yung, Design Space
See Sun Yung (a former Design Space participant) was also the winner of the British Jewellers Association Award for Excellence
Winner: Jemma Daniels for the creation of contemporary hollowware and tableware using traditional silversmithing techniques.
Winner: Anna Calvert – for her contemporary silver and leather jewellery
Interested? Then why not register your interest by completing a Design Space enquiry form attached below and you will be contacted.
Design Space Workshop
Mentoring Support for Existing Jewellery Businesses
Are you an existing jewellery business that would like to receive FREE mentoring support or attend business workshops? If so, please complete the attached form below and return back to manjit.bassra@birmingham.gov.uk. Places are limited; therefore it is advisable that you submit as soon as possible in order to secure a place for mentoring and workshop sessions.
See the YouTube Link below to find out more about career opportunities in the Jewellery Quarter and Design Space.
www.youtube.com/IconicProductionsUK
Fine Jewellery Designer, Fei Liu, recently delivered a workshop for the Design Space Programme, see the link below to find out more:
http://www.professionaljeweller.com/article-9749-fei-liu-talks-at-birminghams-design-space/
http://www.retail-jeweller.com/products/designers/fei-liu-shares-his-experience-with-young-designers-in-birmingham/5027503.article