Future Forward 1 - Risk and review Future Forward 1 - Continuing narratives and new directions Future Forward 1 - A framework for development and change DMWM ‘New Routes Handbook’ – a new publication on market opportunities for designer makers in the West Midlands FF1 Mentees Finding out about funding seminar day Olympic 2012 business briefings from Advantage West Midlands Interiors and Lifestyle Cluster Opportunities Group Designing for a manufacturer booklet - an invaluable guide for all designer makers A new set of Artists’ Profiles focusing on current applied arts practice is now available to a-n subscribers Designer Maker West Midlands handbook Makers in Focus Report survey of designer makers in the West Midlands		‘Finding out about Funding’ Seminar Day The Designer Maker West Midlands funding seminar day on the 15 January 2009 was a big success with plenty of positive feedback: ‘Excellent, very specific advice and information given, relevant to more than one person’ ‘I benefited from the day by meeting other people, brainstorming, developing clear plans’ The event was organised to help regional designer makers find out about various funding routes by providing information, opportunities for sharing knowledge and breakout sessions for discussing specific funding ideas There were three invited speakers at the event: Pete Mosley gave a broad overview of funding and encouraged the group to think of more unusual ways of sourcing money. In particular he highlighted the need to build good relationships with people before approaching them for money or in kind support. Jackie Lee the Crafts Officer at Arts Council England West Midlands, gave an in depth talk about Arts Council funding, with specific focus on writing a proposal. The designer maker Tanvi Kant gave an overview of the different funding she has received in her career, including Arts Council funding for research and travel, Crafts Council Development Funding for equipment and an international residency. Key issues that were raised during these talks were: The need to build good relationships with people before approaching them for money Allowing enough time to complete an application form Trying to source money from a range of places Carry out thorough research before applying to a funding body, to ensure your work fits in with their aims Considering in kind support, instead of financial support Breakout sessions The breakout session gave makers the opportunity to talk in depth about each others project ideas and for everyone to feedback on their experiences of funding. Throughout the discussions each participant completed an action plan to help focus their ideas and funding strategies. ‘The breakout session enabled me to discuss ideas in more depth’ ‘I expanded my knowledge, increased my confidence, concentrated my thoughts and networked’ To find out more about funding please download the booklet ‘Successful Fundraising’ a valuable guide to funding your practice, by clicking here.