Jolomo Pledges to Support Young Arts & Crafts Entrepreneurs throughout Scotland
Wednesday 21st April 2010 – one of Scotland’s best known contemporary artists is calling on budding young entrepreneurs who work in the arts, craft and creative industries throughout Scotland to put themselves forward for the 2010 Jolomo Arts & Crafts PSYBT Awards.
The Jolomo PSYBT Awards are the result of a unique partnership between The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and John Lowrie Morrison, also known as Jolomo. The awards were launched in 2008 thanks to a £10,000 donation by the Glasgow born artist to assist young people living in Argyll and the Islands succeed in the arts, crafts and creative industries.This is the first year that the awards scheme has been extended to eligible young entrepreneurs throughout Scotland.
PSYBT businesses eligible to enter the awards will include everything from sculpting to handicrafts, to decorative arts such as wood crafting, glass blowing, and applied arts including graphic design and film making. The initiative will recognise the special achievements of three young businesses who excel in their personal development, commercial awareness and innovation/creativity. The overall winner, who will receive a cash prize of £750 as well as special promotional opportunities on Jolomo’s website, will be announced at an event in October 2010.
During 2008 and 2009, eight young entrepreneurs in the arts and creative industries were supported by PSYBT through the awards scheme, which provides start-up grants of up to £1000 as well as loans of up to £5000. The 2008 winners were: Kevin Gauld, founder of the Orkney Furniture Maker, who won the prize for ‘distance travelled/personal development’; textile designer, Alison Macleod from the Isle of Lewis who was awarded the prize for innovation and creativity; and Nicola Kelsey of NK Photography from Oban who received the prize for commercial awareness.
Commenting at the launch of the awards which took place today in Glasgow’s St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Art, PSYBT Chief Executive, Mark Strudwick said, “Young people pursuing self employment careers in the arts and creative industries often find it more challenging to commercialise their idea compared with young entrepreneurs in other sectors. The lead time that is required for producing original pieces of work and the limitations that presents in terms of sustaining cash flow and generating profit margins can sometimes be perceived as barriers to success. Our aim, which is now possible thanks to John Lowrie Morrison’s generosity and foresight, is to provide the assistance necessary to help these talented young entrepreneurs succeed in business.”
Jolomo added, “This is a wonderful initiative and I’m thrilled to be involved. The awards will not only help us showcase the talent and creativity of Scotland’s young people but will also help to boost the local economies and communities throughout the country, whilst also encouraging a renewed passion for Scottish arts and crafts.” More information on the awards which will take place in October this year and qualifying criteria can be found on the website, www.psybt.org.uk or by contacting Alison Taylor on 0141 243 5363.
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