Some of the country’s most exciting, dynamic musicians and creative entrepreneurs will receive funding and industry support which will help kick-start their careers, thanks to a new graduate enterprise programme being introduced by Leeds Conservatoire next week.
The Graduate Fund is designed to support our 'Class of 2020' graduates at a pivotal point, as they develop their careers in the wider industry following completion of their studies at the conservatoire last year. A considered response to the impact of COVID-19 on our alumni community, the fund represents an extension of our student focussed Experience Fund and Match Funding schemes ran by our Artistry and Enterprise Team.
The programme, operated by our Alumni and Enterprise Teams, will provide vital funding and a tailored programme of support which enables our ‘Class of 2020’ alumni to test our new business ideas, develop their artistry or participate in additional training and mentoring opportunities as they embark on their careers in the industry.
In the first round, the conservatoire hopes to be able to support at least 10 different projects through the programme. Applications for up to £500 will be considered for a variety of activities, and those successful applicants will receive mentoring alongside this funding.
Dav Williams, Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator at Leeds Conservatoire indicated:
"We fully recognise that sectors which have historically been a major source of employment for our graduate community – most notably the creative sector and hospitality industry, have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. With awareness that our ‘Class of 2020’ left our provision at an extremely challenging time last year, this new fund is designed to provide mentoring and vital funding which can often make all the difference – opening up access to sustainable careers in the creative industries."
In relation to the announcement, Vice-Principal and Director of Performance Patsy Gilbert outlined:
"Our commitment to encouraging recent graduates to develop closely aligns with our ambition to support the recovery of the regional cultural sector, in partnership with the creative communities of Leeds. This extension will provide opportunities for artists and creative organisations at a pivotal stage in their development – many of whom will seek to stay in Leeds and West Yorkshire."
Find out full details about The Graduate Fund.
Apply for The Graduate Fund here (application window open until the 31 March).
The conservatoire welcomes applications from all members of our 'Class of 2020' community. Our intention with this fund is to support a diverse range of applicants.
Applications will open for this fund on the 1 March and close on the 31 March 2021. To find out more, please visit this page.
An introductory webinar, outlining details of the fund will take place on the 1 March 2021, at 5PM. To register interest, sign up here.
To find out more about our existing offer for our graduate community, please visit www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/alumni or contact us via alumni@lcm.ac.uk
