Local creative career programme gets a boost
A mentoring programme for creatives has been given additional support from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to extend it for 2023.
The extension to the Elevate programme, which is run by the non-profit organisation Creative Waikato, allows for more availability for applicants to build their capability and gain new skills to grow a long-lasting creative career.
Paula Jacobsen, Communications and Marketing Specialist for Creative Waikato said the Elevate programme began during the peak of Covid-19.
Jacobsen said it “has the aim of supporting arts practitioners for career development, especially developing business skills, helping to provide longevity in a business-minded society.”
Elevate operates as a series of online workshops, providing business promotion and information on sustaining a long-lasting career.
It also allows creatives to establish connections with experienced mentors and helps to maintain those relationships after the programme. Security and reassurance are other factors that work towards effectively forming plans to survive within the demanding industry that arts and culture bring.
The programme, having run for over three years now, has already supported a range of local artists, including artist Elisabeth Denis.
“Anyone who is starting and wants to improve your idea, your business or your creation, I would suggest Elevate. I think Elevate helps people who have a spark but want to make a fire”.
Elisabeth Denis
An idea emphasised throughout Elevate is that business can be made easy, and the programme helps provide clarity to those either beginning their journey in the industry or experienced individuals seeking expertise to excel.
Creative Waikato is an organisation that supports the local community through arts and culture in Aotearoa. Their aim is to “develop, support and champion Waikato arts and culture”.
They work to provide for anyone in need of support and Jacobsen says their programmes and assistance have proven to be successful over recent years and that further developments will see them fulfilling clients’ dreams going forward.
To find out more about Creative Waikato or Elevate, click here:
