Monday Makers
Creative and business workshops to help you make the leap into self-employment or further training
Cost: free
Duration: 10 x weekly 3-hour workshops
Lots of creative people would love to work for themselves but find the idea of starting and running a business too daunting. If that sounds familiar, Monday Makers is for you.
Our free 10-week programme is a mix of creative workshops and business skills training. All sessions are led by specialist tutors, many of whom will share their own experiences as self-employed artists or makers.
Every week, you’ll join a group of like-minded people in our bright, airy studio. You’ll learn new techniques, develop your skills and experiment with different materials. And you might be surprised to discover how capable and creative you already are.
The sessions also give an excellent overview of what’s involved in setting up and running a small business, from social media marketing to basic accounts. Plus there’s the chance to book individual coaching sessions, where you can talk about your ideas and get practical help with your next steps.
We hope you’ll complete the course feeling confident, inspired and with a clear vision of what you want to achieve.
“The sessions on the course were flexible and a good mixture of practical and theory, which was nice as someone who doesn’t tend to take in the textbook way of learning. I feel a lot more confident to take on my first year of trading – bring it on!”
Feedback from one of our participants
Who is it for?
Monday Makers is open to adults aged 18 and over living in North Yorkshire.
What will I learn?
We adapt the programme to suit each group’s needs, meaning it looks slightly different every year. For 2024, we ran creative sessions on bookbinding, ceramics, Jesmonite and printmaking. Business-focused sessions included online marketing, finding your customer, and basic accounting for self-employment.
The aim is to for you to develop the creative, employability and digital skills you need to go into further training or become self-employed.
When does the course run?
Course dates and details for 2025 will be available soon. If you’re interested, please email catherine@ruralarts.org and we’ll be in touch.
Where is it held?
Sessions are held at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS.
How can I sign up or find out more?
Please email catherine@ruralarts.org or call me on 01845 526536.