Creative Futures, hosted by AA2A, offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to support the employability and professional development of students and alumni from creative disciplines at AA2A host institutions. This initiative provides valuable tools and insights into the world of self-employment and creative careers through a variety of formats including videos, seminars, talks, and guides.

Creative Futures Videos

The program features a private YouTube library with over 100 videos categorised into seven distinct themes: Artists' Stories, Artists' Advice, Working with Galleries, Online Presence, Business and Finance, Projects and Funding, and Copyright and Licensing. These videos are crafted to offer real-life insights and advice from experienced artists and professionals, making them a vital resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of a creative career.

Creative Futures Seminars

Creative Futures Seminars are another key component, where a panel of experts discusses topics crucial to self-employment in the arts. These seminars are scheduled between February and April, with topics ranging from setting up your own business to managing finances and enhancing mental wellbeing. The interactive format allows attendees to pose questions directly to the experts, facilitating a deeper understanding of each subject.

Creative Futures Talk

Additionally, Creative Futures includes a specialised talk on employability, tailored for students of artistic disciplines at AA2A host institutions. This 1.5-hour session, delivered by industry experts, is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the professional world post-graduation. The talk can be accessed either in-person or online, depending on the package provided by the institution.

Creative Futures Guide

Lastly, the initiative offers the Creative Futures Guide, a digital resource packed with information on key national arts organisations, guidance on becoming self-employed, and links to local support organisations. This guide serves as an essential tool for students, graduates, and early career creatives planning their career paths in the arts. Through these diverse resources, Creative Futures by AA2A plays a crucial role in preparing emerging artists and creatives for successful careers by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the professional landscape effectively.

Creative Futures Student Ambassadors: A New Developmental Programme for 2024/25

Creative Futures is introducing a new developmental programme for the 2024/25 academic year, focusing on mentoring and advice for student ambassadors. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills and experiences of students who are passionate about the creative arts and wish to represent their institutions as ambassadors.

The programme will incorporate a structured mentoring system where experienced professionals from the creative industries will guide student ambassadors.

A key component of the Student Ambassadors programme is critical development, which focuses on enhancing students' analytical and critical thinking skills. This will involve engaging in discussions and activities that challenge their perspectives and encourage innovative thinking, crucial for their growth as creatives and leaders.

The Creative Futures Student Ambassadors programme aims to not only prepare students for their roles as ambassadors but also to equip them with skills that are transferable to their future careers in the creative industries. This initiative reflects the commitment of Creative Futures to fostering the next generation of creative leaders by providing them with the tools and support necessary to excel both academically and professionally.