Workshops to benefit creative businesses

Pilbara-based craft practitioners, artists, photographers, makers and graphic designers considering turning their hobby into a successful enterprise are set to benefit from a new two-year program of creative initiatives.

Recognising the need to diversify the local economy, State arts non-profit group FORM has established the Creative Business Development Series to provide participants with the tools and confidence to grow their creative businesses.

The development series will consist of talks and workshops facilitated by industry experts, including Dreamhunter’s Renae Porter, photographer Bewley Shaylor and textile designer Tanya Cain-Abbs.

The intensive full-day development programs will focus on marketing and promotion, basic business start-up information, branding and logo development, website development, and product diversification.

The sessions will be complemented with additional workshops designed for participants to further their craft and artistic skills.

FORM executive director Lynda Dorrington said the program would provide the opportunity for creative people to progress their existing practices and expand their product lines.

“Supporting creativity in Western Australia’s regions is about providing skills and market opportunities that allow our creative talent to thrive and prosper outside of the State’s metropolitan areas,” she said.

“The business development series is about building the professional and creative capacity of artists and makers, enabling them to operate as a viable and valuable business for the region.”

The series is part of a partnership with the Pilbara Development Commission, funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Pilbara Development Commission acting chief executive Terry Hill encouraged all small businesses and creative makers to take advantage of the business development series to learn new skills and meet like-minded people.

“Enhancing the skills and capacity of small businesses will be key to creating a robust and diverse local economy in the Pilbara,” he said.

This program is also delivered with the support of FORM’s principal partner BHP Billiton.