Resources & Contacts

Trade Show of furniture, lighting, accessories, wall and floor coverings, textiles, kitchens and bathrooms.

Anti Copying in Design Ltd. Action Group – a membership trade organisation which is committed to fighting copyright theft.

Lead organisation for performance poetry

Tips on writing a good artist CV

National organisation with lots of web-based information on best practise for visual artists

Provides support and information for organisations looking for funding and partnerships with businesses

The national development agency for the arts providing advice, publications and funding

The leading professional association for those working or interested in Arts Development

Arts for Rutland is a Registered Charity, which is committed to leading, promoting and supporting the arts in Rutland.

Online magazine covering arts & entertainment in Leicestershire

Creative Leicestershire's online directory of individuals and organisations that provide arts activity. Information sheets about working in participatory arts are also available

The Association of Illustrators who have a comprehensive online directory and many other benefits including open portfolio sessions for feedback on your work. Full annual membership £150.

A non-profit trade association created to represent UK independent music festivals

Association for Professional Photographers, Assistants, Agents and Students

Workspace, office studios, meeting rooms and exhibition space in Hinckley

Online resource for contemporary art

A list of individuals and organisations whose services have been recommended to Creative Leicestershire by creative enterprises

Provide music technology and digital arts development including artist support and consultancy

Information about courses and careers at the BBC

The independent trade union for those working in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure, interactive media and allied areas (mainly on the technical side)

Craft and creative units are available for hire around the courtyard at Belgrave Hall. Run by Leicester City Council. The units range from 7.8 to 10 sqm and cost from £1,025 pa to £1,375 pa. plus service charge and business rates

Screen in Leicester City Centre which can be used to showcase performances, music, short, films, art, games and installations

Arts & Heritage Development Officer

Community grants scheme available through Community Action Blaby District.

Professional recording studio based in Leicester

Some pointers on what to consider when commissioning a website

Membership organisation covering the widest span of arts festivals in the UK

The lead body for film development in the UK

Website and magazine for the TV and radio industry

Business office space ideal for creative and design companies is available at Burrough Court.

A task force of business volunteers committed to energising the East Midlands

General business support

This directory allows you to search for potential sources of help with starting up, running or developing your business. A new tool Business Support Finder will be launched in April 2010 and will identify which schemes you will be eligible to apply for.

An international charitable foundation with cultural, educational, social and scientific interests, based in Lisbon with offices in London and Paris

Information sheet on where to find out about getting a career in arts, design and media

Catapult specialises in providing Equity Capital for businesses requiring between £200k and £2m.

Membership organisation providing training, networking, services, events, research

Supporting people in the media industry including resources and training

An idependent community arts and media organisation based in the borough of Charnwood

Business information for the Loughborough and Charnwood area

This professional body is a membership organisation for trained designers and offers a structured programme of continuous professional development and awards.

Development agency for circus arts

The Foundation is a grant-making organisation which concentrates its support on education, the arts, museum and gallery education, cultural leadership training, health and social care, whilst placing a particular emphasis on supporting children, young people and society's more vulnerable individuals.

A guide from Woody Kitson of e-kit.co.uk looking about costing a website

Offers advice to people on dance courses

National agency for contemporary crafts

Notes from Alistair Campbell from the Ideal Marketing Company offering tips on how to use PR effectively

National website on careers in the creative sector

Free business advice from Fred our Business Advisor

Dance/rehearsal studio and workshop space

Provides support for not-for-profit cultural organisation in the East Midlands

Funding to support one-off projects in the city. Maximum funding is around £3000 and is for participatory arts, and arts, festivals and heritage. Projects must look towards sustainability from other funding sources and should lever other funding from elsewhere.

Leicester's new theatre which also has a programme of masterclasses and community work

Ruth Bates based at Embrace Arts in Leicester, is working with local dance professionals to maximize and develop opportunities for employment, professional development and performance.

Works nationally to speak out for dance and provide professional development for dancers

Dance development agency based in Nottingham. Provides workshops, seminars and advice

Digital recording studio based in Leicester also offering CD and DVD duplication

Not-for-profit visual arts rights management organisation

Trade association for the design industry

National strategic body for design and architecture

Regional development agency for the craft and design sector.

Support designers through promoting excellence, providing advice and encouraging relationships in trade

An educational resource for designers website includes design business start up guide

Are part of EMTEX (East Mids Textiles Association) and provide a variety of business and design support to fashion & textiles designers (freelance & in-house), design-led companies and fashion students in the East Midlands.

Gives information and advice for individuals and companies working in community/participatory settings

Business support for the East Midlands to make better use of ICT, the internet and ecommerce

Tips on how to network successfully

Regional development agency for the media and film industry

Rehearsal studios for dance and theatre available to hire. Art studios also available

The trade union for professional performers

The aim of the foundation is to improve the quality of life for people and the communities in the UK both in the present and for the future. Their main fund is concerned with four interests; the cultural life of the UK, education and learning, the natural environment and enabling disadvantaged people to participate more fully in society.

Tips from Milly Moore about the things to consider when exhibiting at art and craft fairs

The BBC's online film community

Arts Centre run by Leicester City Council. Wet and messy studio space available to hire

Professional organisation for anyone involved in creating opportunities for people to experience and participate in dance

Information on various online tools you can use to help support your business

Guide on what to consider when starting out as a freelance artist or designer

This national website for the voluntary, community and not-for-profit sector has thousands of searchable funding and finance opportunities

This toolkit has been developed to help you find funders and write good bids. Step 2 of the toolkit is a searchable database of local funders.

A list of some public and private galleries in Leicestershire and Rutland

A grant giving charity for UK registered charities

Website for 14 to 30 yr olds looking at career paths in theatre

An introduction from Woody Kitson of eKit.co.uk on how to plan your business website

A list of websites, directories & listings to help you build a web presence

A list of online directories and websites for Visual Artists

Information sheet on the things to consider when trying to get booked as a performer

If you find you are often chasing people for payment, try the following

A free to use service that allows small businesses, charitable and community groups find funding

Signposting organisation which helps companies to match investors with worthwhile projects. Mainly £50k to £2m

A guide from Horus Music on setting up a record label

Creative Leicestershire's handbook for effective freelancing

One of the UK's leading arts charities

Residential rehearsal studios in Earl Shilton

Tourism and Creative Communities Officer

Leicester’s “Buildings at Risk Register” is a compilation of more than fifty historic buildings across the city that are at risk from vacancy and poor repair. They range from cottages and shops to churches and factories, including a building that was once the largest shoe factory in the world. The City Council owns only a few of the buildings. In some cases you may need to negotiate with owners. We are willing to give you all the help we can to secure new uses for these special buildings

Provides advice & workshops on Tax for businesses and the self employed

Information sheet on the different ways to fund a business

Advice from an experienced designer on how to price your work as a graphic designer

Information sheet on the things to consider when pricing your work as a visual artist

A basic guide to using Twitter

Media company with extensive media facilities for radio, television, film, and video production

Music convention and showcase held in Manchester

Professional body for musicians

Management association and industry lead body for performing arts organisations and individual

Inhabit offers a platform through which creative professionals can search for workspace and property owners can promote vacant spaces

A vibrant place for new and emerging design-led, innovative, high-tech and knowledge intensive business ideas. All offices are equipped with desks, chairs, telephone lines and high speed broadband. Access is also provided to free extensive on-site business support and advice to help your business grow.

Information sheet focussing on Intellectual Property

Information sheet about intellectual property

An independent group of producers, presenters, promoters and artists working in outdoor arts from the UK and Ireland

Public art think tank

Information on all the latest European grants, UK Government grants and other sources of funding to help start and grow your business.

Services to support Jazz music in the UK

The Jerwood Charitable Foundation is dedicated to imaginative and responsible revenue funding of the arts, supporting emerging artists to develop and grow at important stages in their careers.

Funds arts charities that can demonstrate; Excellence within the field, commitment to attracting new audiences and wider public access, youth participation and motivation, Originality and creativity in design, production and/or presentation and lasting impact.

Studio spaces available to hire

The scheme enables small organisations (usually 1-50 employees) in the Creative Industries to solve a strategic problem or realise an opportunity, by forming a partnership with an experienced academic and a high calibre graduate.

The LankellyChase Foundation works to promote change which will improve the quality of people's lives. We focus particularly on areas of social need to help the most disadvantaged in our society to fulfil their potential. The arts programme focuses on; promoting the use of the arts by people with severe mental ill health, encouraging vulnerable young people to participate in arts activities and, through a closed programme, helping young artists to pursue a career in the arts.

Training and support for Afro-Caribbean entrepreneurs

Business support for women

Arts & Grants Officer

Music & Festivals Officer

Manager, Reading Development

Support promoters within the Festival with marketing and training

55 units plus café, meeting rooms, exhibition space, run by Leicester City Council

The LMC is a collection of people working to encourage collaboration in the Leicester Music Scene

Local resources and support information

Membership organisation for printmakers, with facilities, equipment, studio space, workshop programme and joint exhibitions

This scheme provides funding support to businesses in rural Leicestershire

Leicestershire-based artist group with a number of annual exhibitions and online directory. Annual application process to become a member takes place in September

Club for professional and semi-professional writers

Arts & Creative Industries Officer

Creative Leicestershire's online directory of creative businesses that provide services to other businesses

This toolkit has been developed to help you find funders and write good bids. Step 2 of the toolkit is a searchable database of funders for voluntary and community organisations in Leicester and Leicestershire.

A not for profit organisation created to provide loans for individuals and businesses based in Leicestershire that high street banks will not help. Maximum loan £10,000.

Provides grants and awards for research and education

Bamboozle Theatre Company offer evening hire of this rehearsal studio 12m x 12m

Visual arts group based in Loughborough, who run joint exhibitions and events

The Centre offers fully-serviced office and laboratory space, 'rent a desk' options, staffed reception, on-site parking, conference facilities, advice from skilled business professionals, and links to the wealth of research expertise at Loughborough University

Low cost and no cost marketing tips from Alistair Campbell from the Ideal Marketing Company

Creative Leicestershire's online directory showcasing artists, craft, designer/makers and galleries

Business support and advice for Black, Asian and Minorty Ethnic arts practictioners and organisations

Music production suites and studio space available a hire, based at Phoenix Square

Based in Coalville and provide a participatory artists support forum and training schemes  

Guide on how to market an event

Information sheet on the things to consider when marketing your product or service

Arts Development Officer

Theatre auditorium is available for hire for rehearsals

International music trade fair

Workspace/ retail outlets available. Currently full, get in contact to be put on the waiting last

Online hub of information for people interested in making music

A free to use online marketing and e-commerce solution for artists, managers, promoters and venues

A list of funding schemes open to SME music businesses

Trade union for musicians

Professional body for those involved in developing writers, readers and literature audiences

Provides information and advice on professional development for writers and other literature professionals.

NCDT can give a list of accredited drama courses and advice on getting grants.

The leading subject association for dance in schools

Independent body with a mission to make the UK more innovative. They invest in early-stage companies, inform policy, and deliver practical programmes that inspire others to solve the big challenges of the future.

Professional membership body for all those engaged in developing and managing affordable studio space for visual artists

Organisation supporting and representing rural touring schemes and development agencies

Gives information and advice for first-degree and postgraduate students on where to get help. They also produce the NUS Welfare Information pack, which includes information on grants, awards and alternative financial support

Trade show/fair at Business Design Centre, London

The Old Forge studio is located in the heart of Rutland in the historical village of Market Overton. The studio (7 metres x 4.85 metres) is ideal for both small film shoots and stills shoots. Set in an idyllic and picturesque location with fabulous natural light, the studio offers free parking, a kitchen, make-up and wardrobe area, office facilities, free Wi-Fi and a 32 amp 3-phase power supply. Additional lights, equipment and crewing can be arranged prior to the shoot

The Paul Hamlyn Foundations supports three key areas including the arts. The programme supports the development and dissemination of new ideas to increase people's experience, enjoyment and involvement in the arts.

Has a dedicated gallery space

Dance studio available to hire

A list of some of the performance venues in Leicestershire and Rutland

Membership organisation for those creating or promoting professional dance, music or theatre in Leicestershire and Rutland

These are open events for anyone working in the performing arts sector and take place twice a year. They are hosted by Curve and organized by Creative Leicestershire.PAL members are encouraged to attend to encourage networking. Each event has a speaker or theme. For notification of events sign up to the Creative Leicestershire ebulletin

Digital Media Centre with digital production facilities, digital exhibition space and office & workspace

Online community and social network for those involved in the Leicester music scene

The International Music Business Market

The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) helps people over the age of fifty set up in business for themselves.

Business support, employment training and funding for 14-30 year olds

The economic development company for Leicester and Leicestershire. Provides a searchable database of available workspace

Recording and rehearsal studios in Leicester

The independent film festival also holds courses and workshops.

Presentation from Horus Music about the things to consider when releasing a record

Recording and rehearsal studios in Coalville

The foundation offers one off grants to organisations with charitable status for work with in the UK. Organisations in Leicestershire and Rutland can apply for up to £10,000.

Tips from Rhubarb Media, Caged Fish and Studio-40 about how to get your website found on Google

Guidance on what to consider when starting to sell your work as a visual artist/ designer maker

Guidance on what to consider when becoming a performer

Community of film makers

Interest free business loans up to £12,000 for 9 years for residents of Leicestershire and Rutland, over 18 and under 35 to help develop or set up businesses

The sector skills council for the audiovisual industries. Their site has lots of info about qualifications, careers and training.

Training and development  support on setting up and developing social enterprises

Participatory arts organisation based in Leicester, working with young people and communities from disadvantaged backgrounds

Festival of advanced music and multimedia art that takes place at various venues in Barcelona

Professional association for promoting community music and supporting community musicians

International conference, festival and trade show combining original music, independent films and emerging technologies

The main UK casting directory for commercial acting work

Tips on starting up on a shoestring

Questions to think about when starting up your own business

Offers rehearsal rooms for band practices, storage facilities and resident band rooms for long term rental in Leicester

Dance studios available to hire, discounts available for extensive use

This is a regular event which is open to any creative businesses and takes place 3 times a year at the Leicester Creative Business Depot. It is run by the LCB Depot (c/o Leicester City Council) in partnership with Creative Leicestershire. For notification of events sign up to the Creative Leicestershire ebulletin

Studio space is available on an adhoc basis when workshops and classes are not programmed in

Air-conditioned performing arts venue, large workshop & foyer, lighting rig, tech box, ticket office, retractable seating for 240

Trade body for the UK's interactive entertainment industry

Trade organisation for independent music companies

Run a number of funding schemes throughout the UK. They give grants from £300 to over £50,000 to organisations ranging from small local groups to major national charities.

Trade organisation for the recorded music industry

Has a reference library of information from different educational trusts and foundations that may offer support to students, endowed scholarships and details and guidance on all grants available from Education Authorities.

Rehearsal space available at low rents

A membership organisation that advises students about non-statutory sources of financial help, specialising in advice about educational trust funds.

Europes leading music festival showcasing new music

A charitable trust to help young people start their own businesses. Eligible candidates may borrow up to £10,000 interest free for between 5 and 10 years to start or expand their own business, or for vocational or educational advancement

The Heritage Lottery Fund supports arts projects when they increase access to, understanding of, or participation in heritage.

Music advice guide set up by Punch Records in Birmingham

A membership organisation which provides training

Recording and rehearsal studios in Melton Mowbray. Also offers a production suite for film, media and computer game projects

A trust that gives grants to charitable organisations operating in the heritage and social welfare arenas in Britain

UK's premier centre for contemporary dance. They run many programmes of ongoing development for artists as they make their way in their careers.

The Francis Ridley room is available for rehearsals/performances. Piano available. Seats maximum 80

Provide loans to charities and social enterprises that are unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources

National paper & website for the entertainment industry with jobs & auditions. £14 per quarter to subscrib

Gives informal support to music promoters and other performance groups. Dance studios available to hire

Regional development agency for writing for theatre

Membership trade association for computer games developers

Advice on what to do when submitting literary work

Supports artists working with new media & technology. Runs Radiator festival

Information sheet about resources for predicting trends

Upstairs of two queens has the space for 18 artists and creatives. Studio holders have the opportunity to take part in discussions, critiques and open studios events providing the chance to be a part of a bustling creative community.

Free online portfolio

UK Music is an umbrella organisation formed from various bodies representing the music industry

UK Trade & Investment supports companies in the East Midlands that want to trade and invest overseas

A free online business support service offering business information resources and business assessments for creating and growing a new business

Rehearsal rooms with sprung dance floor

The VAN is a partnership of organizations who come together to share information about the development of the visual arts in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – the members include galleries, artist groups, art collections, local authorities and University Schools of Art. The Network currently has 27 members and is open to any organization which produces, or supports the visual arts sector. It is bought together by the Creative Leicestershire programme and is unconstituted. The VAN currently has a Festival Working Group which is looking at developing a visual and live art festival for May and June 2012. For membership info contact Clare Hudson

Information sheet on where to find public sector contracts

Guidance on how to write a press release

Tips on writing funding applications

Specialist creative writing school