Farnham Maltings launched an innovative new Creative Business Programme this month with the help of 30 talented makers and craftspeople from across Waverley.
The Creative Business Programme is designed to help local artists and makers grow their creative businesses over 18 months with the support of a peer network, talks and workshops, a career mentor and access to a creative business incubator space.
The programme is funded by Waverley Borough Council through the UK government UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“We are delighted by the response to the Creative Business Programme which will help talented creative businesses across Waverley grow,” said Lynsey Luthra, Executive Director at Farnham Maltings. “The free programme of business skills events is fantastic; mentors will be on hand to guide the participants and by providing the incubator space we also enable and encourage peer learning. Each of the creative businesses are successful and are keen to learn from each other as much as our experts. We can’t wait to see them thrive over the duration of the programme!”
“I’m excited to be part of the programme alongside other creatives to learn ways to elevate my business and to gain a community where together we can support each other. The buzz from our first meeting was tangible.” said Paula Cairns, cyanotype artist and maker behind Blue Roses
Eloise Talbot-Hammond, graphic designer at Talbot Graphics echoed the sentiment, “I’m so excited to be taking part in the programme alongside 29 amazing artists and makers. I already feel so inspired by this community and can’t wait to see how my business will grow over the next 18 months.”
Councillor Liz Townsend BEM, Waverley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development said, “We are delighted to be able to support this project for the creative sector, supporting Farnham as a World Craft Town, and working with our partner Farnham Maltings, a prestigious and popular community arts hub.”
For more information, interview opportunities and images please contact marketing@farnhammaltings.com or Creative Business Programme Coordinator Nina Jex nina.jex@farnhammaltings.com.
Notes to editors:
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Farnham Maltings is a creative organisation that works with the artists and communities of South East England to encourage the greatest number of people to make, see and enjoy the best art possible. From a range of buildings, set in the heart of Farnham, we present events and workshops from large scale craft festivals to intimate cabaret shows, as well as providing space for voluntary and community groups to deliver their own ambitions. We enable artists making craft, theatre and dance work to thrive by providing affordable studio and rehearsal space, offering producing and tour booking, developing networks, sharing resources and equipping artists with the skills and opportunities to promote their work locally, nationally and internationally. farnhammaltings.com
Farnham Maltings was integral in Farnham receiving the first World Craft Town status in England and Wales. We are proud of our heritage in supporting the arts, particularly craftspeople and artists and are delighted to have received funding of £50k from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver this business incubator programme.
Find out more about Farnham’s World Craft Town at:
https://www.farnham.gov.uk/farnham-life/crafttown