MVWorks is a new programme developed to support ambitious creative individuals be they artists, designers, makers or something else entirely doing interesting work with technology. Its focus is on looking at the future, considering your ambitions and then doing something that will help you get there.
‘We want to confront head on the tension between making interesting work and making money because we think that’s a fertile place for good things to happen. This a deliberately open programme. The criteria on
eligibility are as broad as we can make them and you can pitch any project or idea that you think will make a difference to your long term work. We don’t have loads of money on offer but hopefully enough to create some space for taking some risks, doing something different and taking a longer view.’
Key information
MVWorks has been created by Makerversity, a pioneering community of over 60 emerging creative, technologyled businesses (170 individuals) based at Somerset House in London. Who offer affordable studio, event and fabrication spaces and prototyping tools to our members. As well as recently launching a ‘learn through making’ curriculum Makerversity DIY.
The programme is funded by Arts Council England and Innovate UK through their Arts and Technology Pilot programme. This is a national programme aimed at testing new approaches to supporting innovative work at the intersection of art and technology. We’re excited to be one of the three organisations involved alongside NearNow Studio at Broadway in Nottingham and MadLab in Manchester.
Somerset House Trust is a key strategic partner for Makerversity and are also significant collaborator and advisor on this programme.
The programme offers:
- Funding for an individual project or idea of choosing (we have a total of £100K to support c. 812 individuals)
- The choice of a professional coach, producer or promoter to work with you during the programme
- Workshops, talks and critics tailored to participants' needs, including physical making activities
- Showcase opportunities and access to our network of partners, contacts and the broader creative community at Somerset House
- Access to Makerversity's workspace, machines and workshops.