Creative Enterprise Programme Workshop Associates

Building a local model – Creative Enterprise#UKWestAfricanArts

The British Council, West Africa Arts Programme Creative Hubs Programme is a project planned to support hubs to strengthen their sustainability through a programme of facilitator-led and peer-to-peer learning and networking for hub managers or founders involved in day-to-day leadership or management of the hubs. 

The programme will also support participating hubs to develop their business support, capacity building and advisory services to artists and creative entrepreneurs.

The expected outcome for the programme is a more vibrant network of stronger hubs across West Africa and the UK that stimulate increased capacity in creative ecosystems in the hubs’ locations.

On this project, we are working in partnership with Nesta to identify and recruit a local team of Workshop Associates to support localised delivery of the CEP. This will enable longer term engagements with programme participants and increase the impact and reach of the CEP. Through this small but dedicated team, we will be in a better position to encourage the growth of creative business support networks and communities of practice

The Creative Enterprise Programme (CEP) is seeking 2 talented facilitators based in Nigeria, with a strong knowledge of creative enterprise, social innovation, and the wider creative economy in their region to join a global network of Nesta CEP Workshop Associates.

The CEP has been developed by Nesta and is delivered in partnership with the British Council. Designed specifically for creative start-up entrepreneurs, this three-day workshop programme brings Nesta’s Creative Enterprise Toolkit to life. Alongside local market specialists, expert facilitators (the Workshop Associates) lead the workshop and provide face-to-face support to help participants explore business ideas, develop a compelling business plan, and create a business model that reflects their hopes and ambitions.

Does this sound like you?

We are seeking creative business professionals who have a strong track record of engaging with new and entrepreneurial start-up, creative and social businesses. The ideal candidates will be strong facilitators who are confident in the delivery of multi-day workshops. They should be able to build a rapport and trust with the participants, and be able to listen, support and provide guidance on the application of design-led business and innovation tools. They should have first hand experience of either setting up or running their own enterprise, and should be in a good position to share their in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by creative start-ups.

This role will suit people who can work flexibly according to when the programme is scheduled, sometimes with limited notice periods (e.g. from between a month to three months between the external request for delivery to the time it will be delivered).

The role:

• Facilitate multi-day workshops with groups of up to 25 creative entrepreneurs
• Deliver the three-day CEP workshops as prescribed to set learning goals and standards
• Through the workshops, support the learning journey of individual creative businesses
• Be an all round champion for supporting the creative industries in your region, and have an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by the creative sector in your region  
• Collaborate with the British Council and Nesta teams to ensure quality and consistency of delivery in accordance with operational guidelines
• Have networks and relationships on the ground to support further growth and funding opportunities for the creative industries in your region
• Be an advocate for the methodology of the CEP and Creative Enterprise Toolkit
• Where possible, support with the onward mentoring and development of participants and grow communities of practice for creative entrepreneurs

The person:

• Sector expertise: have a demonstrable track record of supporting creative businesses and using design-led techniques and models
• Clear communication, presentation and facilitation skills: ability to clearly communicate complex concepts in a succinct and meaningful way
• Interpersonal and organisational skills:including but not limited to: strong time management, organised, solutions-focused, flexible and adaptable attitude to delivery
• Willingness to travel where necessary
• Ability to deliver an intensive schedule to a high standard over a sustained period in both languages English and Arabic
•  Willingness to capture learning and insights and to share with peer network

About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. They combine their  knowledge, networks, funding and skills to back new ideas that tackle the big challenges of our time. They  operate across the globe and across sectors (including education, healthcare, the arts, technology, and economic policy), working with others to turn these good ideas into reality.

About British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. Using the UK’s cultural resources we make a positive contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.

We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Each year we directly reach over 65 million people and more than 660 million people via broadcasts and publications.

Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. Most our income is raised delivering a range of projects and contracts in English teaching and examinations, education and development contracts and from partnerships with public and private organisations. Fifteen per cent of our funding is received from the UK government.

Please send your CV and cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role to westafrica.arts@britishcouncil.org

Important dates:

The deadline for applications is 30 October 2017. If you are then shortlisted as a potential CEP Associate, please save the following dates:  

• Interview- 7 November 2017
• Observation and co-delivery in first Creative Enterprise workshop 4 December 2017
•  Delivery of Creative Enterprise workshop 4 – 7 December 2017