Resources
Useful links and on-line resources for the professional creative sector.
Links to a range of organisations, networks and resources offering support, opportunities and information.
This document has been created as a practical signposting resource to support access needs within creative fields. It has been compiled by CABN Advocate for Access, Emma Whigham, and aims to bring together useful organisations, guidance, and opportunities that may help creatives navigate access support, funding, and inclusive practice.
We recognise that access needs are diverse and constantly evolving, and so this document is intended to be a working resource that can grow and develop over time. Our hope is that it becomes a helpful starting point for creatives, organisations, and collaborators seeking information about access within the arts and creative sector.
If you know of organisations, resources, or links that would strengthen this guide, we would love to hear from you. Please send any suggestions to hello@cabn.info so we can continue building and improving this resource together.
Gathering Perspectives Resource Doc By CABN Advocate Lara Greene
Here you will find a wealth of links which will keep you informed and inspired, give you tools for
best practice, help you evidence the value of the arts for funding, make contacts and be part of a
growing moment putting the arts, and culture more in the mainstream and further embedding arts into services that improve mental health and well-being.
It is up to us to use our unique skills as artists to envision new ways of working, use our creativity to better our community and seek partnerships that nurture and invigorate our practice.
Applied Arts Scotland Membership organisation offering professional development and networking opportunities to craftspeople and makers based in Scotland.
The Society of Scottish Artists is a dynamic and inclusive membership organisation with a growing community of more than 1100 members based all over the world. It welcomes artists of all disciplines and backgrounds, at every stage of their careers, from students and recent graduates to established artists and offers a diverse and ambitious programme of members’ exhibitions, residencies, exchanges, social events and development opportunities, the highlight of which is the Annual Exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.
Scottish Contemporary Arts Network (SCAN) is a member led network committed to championing and supporting the contemporary art sector in Scotland. They deliver a programme of advocacy, information sharing and networking, professional development and research activities with and on behalf of members.
Visual Arts Scotland is a leading platform for national and international contemporary fine and applied artists. The annual exhibition offers the opportunity for emerging and established practitioners to showcase new and unseen work and engage with a wider public: to generate debate, to test out and exhibit challenging and ambitious ideas - within the context of Scottish and international culture. Visual Arts Scotland boasts a vibrant, active and participatory membership of over 700 practising artists and members and non-members alike are welcome to submit work for selection at our prestigious annual exhibitions, to show alongside invited artists and emerging talent.
Borders Writers' Forum A website devoted to the very best contemporary writing from the Scottish Borders. By contemporary we mean writers living and working in the Scottish Borders. The Forum organises workshops, writers' visits, and readings throughout the year.
Artaffect Artaffect Studios and Gallery Located in Jedburgh, Scottish Borders. We enable space for creativity, well being and positive transformation in systems and daily life.
Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce ‘the voice of Borders Business’ the SB Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of members to all levels of government. They welcome businesses of all sizes and encourage business cooperation through networking events and by publicising local and national business events run by others.
The Stove Network – Dumfries is a membership, artist-led organisation based in Dumfries and are a means for the creative community to play a role in the future of their region.
DG Unlimited DG Unlimited is a membership organisation which promotes and supports the phenomenal creativity of the fabulous region of south west Scotland. DG Unlimited are an independent charity with hundreds of members and supporters across the region, from every area of arts and cultural activity and interest.
Upland is a bold, ambitious, rural-based visual art and craft development organisation based in Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland. As well as supporting individual practitioners, they deliver the flagship Open Studios event Spring Fling.
Creative Scotland is the national leader for Scotland's arts, screen and creative industries. Creative Scotland’s website also has links to a number of Professional Resources, including guidance and toolkits and information about Research both by Creative Scotland and across the Cultural Sector. You can also sign up for their Opportunities Newsletter.
Craft Scotland is the national agency for craft. They work to unite, inspire and champion craft in Scotland. Craft Scotland create opportunities for Scottish makers to exhibit, sell and promote their work and for the public to see, purchase and learn about craft.
Wasps Artists' Studios is an award-winning charity which provides affordable studio space to support visual artists working in Scotland.
Federation of Scottish Theatre is the development body for professional dance, opera and theatre in Scotland, bringing together the sector to speak with a collective voice, to share resources and expertise and to promote collaborative working. They provide information on Research and Resources on their website.
Creative Carbon Scotland believe that arts and culture have an essential role in achieving the transformational change to a sustainable future. They share information on opportunities, run projects and hold resources on their website. You can also sign up for their newsletter.
The Design Trust run specialist online courses and memberships, providing practical and strategic business knowledge and step-by-step action plans, as well as the inspiration and real confidence boosters you need to get the results you want.
Creativity with People Toolkit is a new resource designed to help creative practitioners plan and prepare for working with communities, groups, and people through the arts by CABN Advocate for Public art and community engagement Lara Greene.
If you’re developing a socially engaged project, leading workshops, or exploring collaborative ways of working, these Think Sheets offer practical prompts to support planning, responsibility, and confidence in your practice.
Help shape the resource by viewing and commenting on the draft:
https://bit.ly/4u2FRvv
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The Illustrated Freelancer's Guide is a practical resource for the increasing number of artists, makers, writers and other creatives working freelance in Scotland today. It was created by Creative Scotland to fill an information gap for creative freelancers to understand their rights and best practices in avoiding and addressing difficult situations.
An easy to reference guide it uses a highly visual combination of comics and text to highlight key issues, model scenarios and educate creative workers about how to protect themselves with regards to payment, copyright and creative work in general. Download the guide for FREE here.
Soap Box is The Stove Network’s Digital Hub. It’s both a free online content library, designed to support our online community, and a space allowing you to connect with people, converse and create new channels for discussive and collaborative learning.
If you’re a small businesses, a start-up, freelancer or just curious to find out more about the world of digital media, Soap Box is an accessible space that encourages collaboration and facilitates a democratic approach to learning. Providing a platform for professionals to share their knowledge and teach their best practices for success in their respective fields.
An extensive resource for new visual arts graduates Primer Scotland Resource; it is everything you wanted to know about being an artist, but didn’t know you needed to know, and probably didn’t know who to ask anyway. It includes in-depth and easy to read information on Self Promotion, Launching your Visual Arts Practice, Artistic Development to your rights & responsibilities.
Unlocking Ambition: Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide, 2023
Aesthetica Magazine is a British art and culture magazine. Founded in 2002 it covers photography, visual art, music, film and theatre.
a-n The Artists Information Company offers fast routes into an information-rich resource that's relevant to all engaged in the visual arts. Its in-depth features and content along with the Communities areas are designed to represent the multiple voices and wide range of activities and industry insights within contemporary visual arts.
Source is a quarterly magazine of contemporary photography. They publish emerging photographic work and engage with the latest in contemporary photography through news, features and reviews.
TURPS Banana magazine is a publication about painting written by painters with a gallery of work by international and emerging painters and spotlight monographs.
ArtRabbit is a platform for international contemporary art exhibitions and events.
Axisweb is an independent charity, a platform and network supporting the development sharing and showcasing of contemporary art practice.
Chrysalis Arts Development's Greening Arts Practice Guide is a guide for artists and arts organisations who want to develop a more environmentally responsible arts practice. The guide is free, and can be downloaded from the Chrysalis Arts Development website.
The Degrowth Toolbox for Artistic Practices Degrowth is the idea that we need to construct our societies around the values of well-being, conviviality, autonomy, sustainability, inclusion, and care. These values come hand-in-hand with the rejection of the capitalist, authoritarian, patriarchal and colonial paradigms. The focus here is placed on formulating tools and strategies which are applicable in the arts.
Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival is an international festival of experimental film and artists’ moving image in held annually in Hawick. Alchemy Film & Arts was founded in 2010 and as well as the festival they support residencies and installations of moving image work. The festival brings together an imaginative mix of screenings, events and talks.
Borders Book Festival is an annual celebration of books in the Scottish Borders. Taking place in Melrose in June it is four wonderful days of talks, discussions, food and drink, live music, comedy and more for all the family.
Beyond Borders International Festival is an international festival of literature and thought based in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. Beyond Borders is dedicated to facilitating dialogue and international cultural exchange between nations.
Innerleithen Music Festival is an established Celtic music festival based in Innerleithen, that augments its line-up of local musicians, sessions, traditional singing, street events and workshops with international stars.
Spring Fling – is a vibrant visual art and craft open studios covering the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway in late May each year. It is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most successful contemporary visual and craft events. In Autumn 2015 the Spring Fling CIC evolved to become Upland CIC, Dumfries and Galloway’s leading arts development organisation supporting artists and makers year round. Spring Fling is Upland's Flagship Event.
Stowed Out is a family friendly boutique music and arts festival held annually in August in Stow. It aims to showcase a high quality diverse line up of music, spoken word and arts that is sometimes challenging but always entertaining.
Fair Pay: Rates of Pay Signposting Guide is a comprehensive document outlining fair rates of pay for a range of creative sectors, including; Visual Arts, Applied Arts, Craft & Design, Music, Theatre, dance & the Performing Arts, Traditional Arts, Playwrights, Literature & Publishing & Film, Tv & Screen from Creative Scotland for 2022 - 23.
Scottish Artists Union update their recommended rates of pay annually.The Scottish Artists Union has from its inception been concerned with establishing recognised national standards in artists’ contracts and payments, as it is often difficult for artists to quantify the value of their work. We have therefore prepared some typical rates of pay which members may wish to use as a guide when negotiating payment for their work on short - term contracts, sessional work and residencies that are paid on a self-employed status basis.
Scottish Artists Union - the pre-eminent representative voice for visual and applied artists in Scotland. Website carries information on policy and also recommended rates of pay for artists. Members gain access to discounts and complimentary Public Liability Insurance.
The Musicians’ Union is a globally-respected organisation which represents over 30,000 musicians working in all sectors of the music business.
The Writers' Guild of Great Britain supports writers across media including books, film, online, radio, theatre, TV and videogames. We campaign for writers and negotiate agreements to secure the best possible pay and conditions. Membership is open to writers of all levels of experience.
Industry-specific resources:
Moving Image Makers Collective are a dynamically evolving group of film and moving image creatives based in the Scottish Borders. The Collective meets once a month at various locations around the Borders to present new work for peer feedback, as well as inviting specialist speakers and filmmakers to share their skills with the group and screen their own work.
Alchemy Film and Arts exists to champion the development of independent arts and film related projects in the Scottish Borders and Scotland as a whole. It aims to advance the arts, by the practice, knowledge, understanding and appreciation of visual arts and film.
Film Hub Scotland - As part of the BFI's Film Audience Network, Film Hub Scotland are one of nine Hubs set up across the UK to extend film choice, increase and broaden film audiences, and enhance opportunities for audiences to engage with and learn about film. They provide Hub members with a range of funding opportunities, screening programmes, training, networking events and audience research, helping Scotland's exhibitors become truly inclusive, reaching as many new and existing audiences as possible.
LUX Scotland LUX Scotland is an agency with an international remit to support and promote artists working with moving image in Scotland.
Scottish Borders Community Filmmaking Initiative will guide interested Scottish Borders residents through the filmmaking process, using both conventional and non-conventional filmmaking practices.
Screen Academy Scotland - Screen Academy Scotland is a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College of Art, dedicated to fostering the future of film makers. From film, TV, animation, photography, journalism and acting, their aim is to allow talent to thrive whilst equipping students with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to become skilled, confident and employable graduates. SAS is one of only three Film Academies (along with the London Film School and the National Film and Television School) in the UK recognised by Creative Skillset as a centre of excellence in film practice education. Since it was established in 2005 Screen Academy Scotland, has helped over 200 writers, directors, producers and animators to make their mark on the page, on the set and on the screen.
Scottish Documentary Institute specialising in documentary training, production and distribution for Scottish based filmmakers. Based in Edinburgh, the SDI has produced over 150 documentary films since 2004. They run a range of programme and often bridge art and industry to support the making of new and cutting edge documentary work. Sign up to their newsletter for regular updates on their programmes.
Trans+ on ScreenTrans+ On Screen is a directory representing trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming professionals in all areas of Film and TV, from(pre-)production to distribution. They operate as a business model which challenges industry norms, and distances itself from agency fees and tokenistic hires, in favour of a model based on care and empowerment.
Music Glue is a specialist e-commerce platform for the music business. They enable fans to buy music, merchandise, tickets and experiences directly from artists in one simple transaction. Artists, managers, labels, merchandisers and promoters can use Music Glue to control their online presence and commerce with ease.
Resonate Music Conference is a music industry conference focusing on industry training, business development, accessibility and collaboration. Founded in 2017 and directed by the team at 23rd Precinct Music, Resonate is an open platform formusic practitioners in Scotland and beyond to come together, discuss challenges and opportunities and grow the industry for the benefit of all.
Wide Days Wide Days was launched in 2010 and is Scotland’s only music-business convention.
Photographing Your Artwork webinar from Art UK
Struggling to get a good image of your artwork? CABN and Art UK show you how to level up your photography skills without professional equipment
CABN has partnered with Art UK photographers Colin White and Jessie Maucor to deliver a webinar that aims to help you getter better results to showcase your work, whether for your portfolio, website, exhibition submissions or for your archives. Colin and Jessie have 40 years of experience between them in photographing art, both in and out of museums and galleries. The ONLINE session that they have designed will take you from set-up to output, covering questions related to equipment, camera settings, image processing and workflow.
The FREE webinar is now available to watch on our YouTube Channel.
Method Writing is a Borders-based publisher of writing craft books run by Open University lecturer Jules Horne. Newsletter and resources for writers including practical how-tos, reviews, craft articles and inspiration.
The Writer’s Compass is a professional development service for writers. It brings together NAWE's professional development programme with the free information and advice services for all writers formerly offered by literature training.
First Writer is every writer's indispensable internet resource. This site aims to provide you with all the information you need as you progress in your writing career.
David Godwin Associates is a leading literary agency, founded in 1995 by David and Heather Godwin. We represent an exciting and varied list of international writers, including novelists, poets, biographers, historians and journalists.
Scottish Poetry Library is a unique national resource centre of recognised excellence for poetry.
Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland is Scotland’s only arts organisation exclusively dedicated to the long-term support, development and promotion of the nation’s playwrights.
Traverse Theatre has a history of working with some of the most adventurous playwrights from Scotland and around the world. They work with playwrights at every stage of their career, reading and feeding back on scripts, hosting play development workshops, commissioning new work and providing one-to-one meetings between writers and members of their Artistic team.
BBC Writersroom is at the heart of storytelling: Nurturing originality, creativity and craft. BBC Writersroom Scotland was launched in early 2017 and aims, alongside the rest of BBC Writersroom across the UK, to champion new and experienced writing talent, to support and develop writers so that they can go and create brilliant stories for the audience.
The Society of Authors is a trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators, at all stages of their careers.
Writers' Guild is a trade union representing professional writers in TV, film, theatre, radio, books, poetry, animation and video games.
Scottish Book Trust is a national charity which believes books, reading and writing have the power to change lives. Their Writer Development team nurtures Scotland’s writing talent with bursaries, mentoring and professional development to ensure that creative opportunities are open to people of all backgrounds.
The Money-Saving Guide for Authors and Writers offers valuable tips and advice for aspiring writers and authors. While tailored to American English, it's an excellent resource for anyone starting their writing journey, regardless of location.
Indie Books and Illustrators in the Scottish Borders Publishing your own book is an exciting project, and these days, it's easier than ever before. However, the options are changing all the time, and with so many different routes to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do.
To help you get started in independent publishing, CABN has compiled some case studies on writers in the Scottish Borders who have taken that route. The case studies, and contact details for Illustrators in the Scottish Borders.
Advocacy and Advice Organisations:
Federation of Scottish Theatre - Scotland’s membership and development body for professional dance, opera and theatre. FST Membership reaches around 200 independent artists, producing companies, venues, education and umbrella bodies across Scotland.
People Dancing - The Foundation for Community Dance is the development organisation for community and participatory dance, driving forward inclusion and excellence and supporting a UK-wide network of members - dance artists and organisations - who make great dance happen in all its diversity. Offers advice, training and public liability insurance for dance and movement professionals.
Dance Professionals Fund - provide financial support for ballet dancers, contemporary dancers and choreographers. They support freelance dance professionals, members and former members of the Royal Ballet Companies and other established dance companies.
Disability Arts International - Promoting increased access to the arts for disabled artists and audiences around the globe - their collection of resources shares best practice and provides guidance on how to best support disabled artists and audiences.
Equity - The performing arts and entertainment trade union
Playwrights’ Studio Scotland Support organisation for playwrights.
Scottish Society of Playwrights - membership organisation and union support for professional playwrights in Scotland.
Dance Organisations in Scotland:
Dance Base, National Centre for Dance - Scotland’s National Centre for Dance. Offers a professional programme of classes, residencies, workshops and performance opportunities.
The Work Room, Tramway, Glasgow Artist- led membership for artists working in dance, movement and choreography. Supports choreographic research through a programme of residencies; facilitates networking and professional development opportunities, offers advice and practical support and advocates for the independent dance sector.
City Moves, Aberdeen - Offers professional residencies, bursaries and performance opportunities. Programmes Dance Live - annual festival of contemporary dance.
Scottish Dance Theatre - Scotland’s full time contemporary dance ensemble led by Artistic Director Joan Clevillé. Rep based company, commissioning new works from Scottish, UK and international choreographers.
Theatre, Puppetry, and Physical Theatre Organisations in Scotland
Magnetic North - Award winning theatre company based in Edinburgh. Led by Nicholas Bone, Magnetic North produce new work and create artist development opportunities
Imaginate - the national organisation in Scotland, which promotes, develops and celebrates theatre and dance for children and young people. Imaginate runs the annual Edinburgh International Children’s Festival and supports artists with a year-round programme of creative development offering a range of opportunities to Scottish based artists and producers, including events, training, residencies, mentoring and special projects.
Puppet Animation Scotland champions, develops and presents visual theatre, puppetry and animated film in Scotland and internationally. Supports independent creative practice in Scotland by funding the development of new projects, facilitating exchange and networking opportunities, offering exposure and experience through paid performance platforms or running bespoke skills and training opportunities.
National Theatre of Scotland Offers a range of free, year-round opportunities for artists, as well as a range of paid opportunities, all available through open call.These include a Script Reading Programme, Artist Residencies and Trainee, Assistant and Associate positions.
Scottish and UK Touring Networks
National Rural Touring Forum networks, develops and supports the ecosystem that delivers high-quality creative experiences across communities and rural areas in the UK
North East Arts Touring - a Rural Touring Scheme that promotes professional theatre, dance and film screenings in rural venues across the North East of Scotland via a dedicated team of volunteer promoters.
The Touring Network represents and connects independent promoters and performers who present live performance across Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
Tourbook The marketplace and professional directory for everyone involved in touring live performance across the UK and Ireland.
Performing Arts Venues and Festivals in Scottish Borders
Eastgate Theatre - Peebles based theatre venue putting on a variety of productions from the local to the national.
Duns Playfest - A week-long celebration of brand-new theatre and dramatic writing, staged in the historic Borders town of Duns. Featuring more than 30 play premieres, rehearsed readings, workshops, cabaret performances, community events, gigs and parties, the festival has mushroomed in popularity with local people and visitors, despite the rigours of the pandemic.
Heart of Hawick An associate venue of the National Rural Touring Dance Initiative (NRTDI). programming dance and theatre performances.
Performance Companies in Scottish Borders
Two Destination Language -Led by Katherina Radeva and Alister Lownie, the company makes bold award-winning performance work which explores ideas of identity, belonging and boundaries, touring in the UK and internationally.
Scottish Borders Dance Company - dance education provider located in the Scottish Borders - working with children & adults.