Our Creative Artist: Kevin's story

Discover how a new placement has impacted a local artist's life
A bald man in a dark jacket smiles and points while seated in an empty theatre.

Kevin Brannigan is the first artist to take part in the Creative Industries Intermediate Labour Market Placement (ILM). Our arts and music team has mentored Kevin as part of the eight-month partnership. He has also had hands-on experience in our arts and cultural venues.

Kevin's artistic journey has allowed him to explore what writing means to him. It has also given him the chance to further develop his unique creative storytelling.

The ILM aims to create a clear entry route into the creative sector for artists from underrepresented backgrounds.

It supports the artist as they move to working as a freelancer. The placement also helps those who have had setbacks or are going in new creative directions.

If more people had access to this Creative ILM, more people would find pride in their worth, pride in their art, and pride in where they're going.

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Highlights of Kevin's journey

Mari Binnie, Arts Producer at Glasgow Life, talks about her favourite parts of Kevin's journey.


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Why is the Creative ILM programme so important?

Listen to what Kevin has to say about the importance of the ILM for artists looking to break into the creative industry.


Celebration event for Kevin's work at Glasgow City Halls

A bald man speaks with a microphone and book, next to a woman reading.
Kevin speaking at his celebration event. Photo credit: Robin Mitchell.
A man speaks on stage under a screen displaying "Creative Artist Kevin Brannigan".
Kevin addressing the audience during his celebration event. Photo credit: Robin Mitchell.
A woman with long hair is standing at a clear podium, speaking into a microphone during an event.
Katie Duffy, Head of Arts and Music at Glasgow Life, during the event. Photo credit: Robin Mitchell.

More details about the Creative Industries ILM

This is the first. Although we work with Jobs and Business Glasgow on other placements, this is the first-ever Creative Industries ILM.

It is for artists from underrepresented groups. The ILM aims to create a clear entry route into the arts and creative sector. It also supports the artist as they transition to freelancing.

The programme is all about widening participation, which aligns with Glasgow's Culture Strategy.

 

The aim is to remove barriers for artists from underrepresented backgrounds. The artist also gets mentored by our arts and music team. This can range from business skills to help with going freelance, to guidance on their writing.

They do a range of things. One day, they'll be attending production meetings with Glasgow Life's Arts and Music team, and the next, they'll be supporting the casting of our community panto.

The placement is also a great opportunity for the artist to hone their craft. In Kevin's instance, he had the space to develop his writing.

What I've gained most is the courage to create. To unequivocally, unapologetically rip the lid off my pen and get to work. Whether it's in the bath, on the bus or in Café Nero.

Want to know more about Kevin's journey?

Check out the full video about Kevin's Creative ILM experience by visiting our Vimeo page.

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