International Creative Entrepreneurs (ICE) – Creative Scotland
International Creative Entrepreneurs (ICE) offers an intensive, fully funded programme that includes a three month placement overseas, one-to-one mentoring and action learning sessions for five of Scotland’s creative leaders entrepreneurs.
ICE’s purpose is to develop the capacity of emerging and mid career leaders for creative entrepreneurship, leadership and international competencies through experiencing entrepreneurial international contexts. The programme comprises a three month placement, supported by a mentor and a dedicated award manager, and offered in the following countries: Turkey, China/Hong Kong, South Africa, India and Australia, South Korea and Brazil.
The opportunity is aimed at individuals with a strong track record in the arts, screen and creative industries. The core element of the opportunity is a three month international placement within a creative business/organisation that is either a social enterprise or driven by a profit imperative. The placement allows the participant to access the leadership of the business or organisation at all levels to achieve an overview of the cultural and strategic operating context. This is balanced by the delivery of an agreed project and exposure to different business models. Host businesses are identified in advance and a suitable match found on successful application. Guidance and support are offered by Nicola Turner, supported by Kim Simpson and Suzy Glass, throughout this process and through the placement. Appropriate mentors or coaches are identified and matched with participants on successful application and offer specific advice on the development of learning goals and career development advice. The participants identify and achieve development goals that will develop their leadership skills and entrepreneurial understanding and practice as well as an understanding of the host culture. Mentors help with the facilitation of this learning journey and offer support throughout the duration of the opportunity. Participants are also offered a two-day induction and an action learning set to further underpin their development and to share learning and understanding.
Departing from January 2013, the second year of International Creative Entrepreneurs completed their placements at the exciting organisations they were matched with. ICE2 culminated in SPLICE, an event that offered a platform for the cohort to share their experiences, challenges and achievements with the wider creative sector in Scotland.
ICE1 and 2 were funded as part of Creative Scotland’s Creative Futures Programme with support for ICE1 from the Cultural Leadership Programme. ICE is delivered by NT Creative Arts Ltd with support from Suzy Glass and Kim Simpson and additional international support from Sioned Hughes.