Setting Out with the Goldsmiths' Centre - this year's incubation programme!

The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London is now inviting applications from jewellery and silversmithing startups for the next cohort (2018) of its business incubation programme – Setting Out. Now in its 6th year, this intensive year-long initiative, delivered by a dedicated team of business and creative specialists, is focused on equipping up to 8 exceptionally talented craftspeople with business, design and product development skills. 

As a member of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s community, participants gain access to modern shared studio space and fully equipped workshops in a central London location. The programme helps participants to transition from the bench through the development of their own business plan, the production of a product range and support on how to take it successfully to market. 

Setting Out’s most recent cohort is already starting to make waves in the industry, with Leonid Dementiev, Jessica Pass and Lukas Grewenig showcasing their collections for the first time at Goldsmiths’ Fair through the Graduate Bursary Scheme. Other alumni have gone on to feature their collections at UK and international shows including London Fashion Week, International Jewellery London, Dazzle Oxo Tower and Inhorgenta Munich. 

Emily Bedford, Setting Out alumnus 2016 – 2017 explains: “Setting Out has completely and utterly changed everything for me and my business. It is very intensive and there’s a lot to do. I thought I would arrive, get support and have a base for the business, but it is more immersive.” 

Ana Thompson above also explains that Setting Out was the perfect place to come and work on her product development. “I think that was the most important aspect, developing my collection and understanding how to price my pieces. I left Setting Out with a stronger collection and was able to start expanding my work, making more pieces with a focus on the macro side of my inspiration. 

I am also designing and developing new pieces to combine digital manufacturing and traditional craftsmanship to create future heirlooms with old techniques meeting new technologies, which will highlight the exciting and controversial times that the jewellery industry is experiencing!”

This year’s Setting Out incubation programme runs from 10 September 2018 – 23 August 2019. Applicants for Setting Out must complete an application form and are assessed based on the strength of their written proposal, creative work and career development plans. 

Full details and application forms are available at http://www.goldsmiths-centre.org/courses/setting-out/ and must be submitted by Sunday 8 July 2018.