Strategies and resources
The UK’s seen a noticeable increase in professional development schemes for artists, encompassing training, mentoring, networking and information services. There is an obvious cross-reference to the government’s endorsement of ‘lifelong learning’ as a principle, encouraged through the offer of individual learning accounts for all. These moves increase opportunities for the kinds of artistic development that incorporates developing and honing skills, accessing facilities and ultimately furthering career strategies. The results are more than just CV embellishment. By providing points of crossover between artists, such schemes contribute to peer support systems and help to address the potential isolation of artists. Here, three individuals involved in artists’ professional development matters describe some of the resources around, and discuss how artists are making the most of them.