The Stove Network in Dumfries has recently announced a new project which aims to combat the issues posed by limited opportunities for emerging artists and creatives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Soap Box’ aims to offer support to build skills and professional confidence by utilising the creative experiences and skills already possessed by members of The Stove Network and its community and cast a net of learning and opportunity to the wider region. With the hosting of discussion panels, workshops and one-to-one tutorials, Soap Box will provide a platform for professionals to share their knowledge and teach their best practices for success in their respective fields.
Martin O’Neill, Creative Director for The Stove Network, commented: ‘Soap Box is an amazing opportunity for our community to learn, get together and share ideas. It’s for everyone from small businesses to start-ups, freelancers and those curious to find out more about the world of digital media. It comes at a vital point for our region, where we’re ready to build back better after the pandemic.’
Funded by Skills Development Scotland as part of the National Transition Training Fund, ‘Soap Box’ will run from mid-March to mid-April, and The Stove Network invites anyone who finds themselves itching to know more about pursuing a career in their area of interest; finding ways to shift their work to digital-centred platforms; using social media and digital marketing to showcase their talents or deliver their campaigns – or even those just beginning their journey in any creative/artistic field.
The creative and arts industries were arguably among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. With fewer appropriate job opportunities as businesses tighten their purse strings, close their shutters and furlough their staff, emerging creatives and new graduates of the creative sectors may find themselves in a working world limbo.
The Stove Network looks forward to giving such people free, worthwhile opportunities to develop their skills, be directed down new avenues and establish themselves either in freelance working or to promote themselves to prospective employers.
All sessions will be facilitated via video conferencing due to restrictions enforced by the pandemic. Places will be subject to subscription of The Soap Box’s mailing list to gain access to the full programme of events as they are announced and to order free tickets for the sessions via Eventbrite.
Anyone interested is encouraged to sign up to the Soap Box Mailing List to receive information about what’s coming up and gain early access to places on the extensive programme of events. More information can be found on The Stove’s website: www.thestove.org/soap-box
