Design links

Owl illustrationOur links directory lists organisations of interest to those starting out, or moving on, in the creative and cultural industries.

Expand the headings below to find other sources of information and resources for this sector.

Arts management

  • Arts and Humanities Research Council
    The Creative and Performing Arts section of the AHRC website has been developed to help practice-led researchers working in the creative and performing arts easily find information about current AHRC funding opportunities and events relevant to their community.
  • Ashridge Business School
    Ashridge provides executive education and management training
  • Common Purpose Matrix Programme
    Common Purpose is a not-for-profit that offers a wide range of open and customised leadership programmes.
  • Creative and Cultural Skills (CCS)
    Creative & Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for Advertising, Crafts, Cultural Heritage, Design, Literature, Music, Performing, and Visual Arts. We bridge the gap between industry, education and the government, to give employers a real influence over education and skills in the UK.
  • Cultural Leadership Programme
    The Cultural Leadership Programme (CLP) is a Government funded investment in excellence in leadership across the creative and cultural industries.
  • Higher Education and Research Opportunities (HERO)
    HERO is the official gateway to UK universities, colleges and research organisations. HERO provides information, a database of links, to all aspects of higher education across six sections packed with information, advice and essential contacts.

Arts organisations and venues

  • Arts Council England
    Arts Council England, as the national development agency for the arts, supports a range of artistic activities from theatre to music, literature to dance, photography to digital art, carnival to crafts.
  • Creative Leicestshire
  • Museum 2.0
    Design, museums and all things 2.0
  • National Media Museum
    The National Media Museum is part of the NMSI Museums Group (National Museum of Science and Industry) which also includes the Science Museum (based in London and at Wroughton in Wiltshire), the National Railway Museum (based in York and at Shildon in County Durham).
  • Victoria & Albert Museum

Diversity

  • Arts and Humanities Research Council
    The Creative and Performing Arts section of the AHRC website has been developed to help practice-led researchers working in the creative and performing arts easily find information about current AHRC funding opportunities and events relevant to their community.
  • Artswork
    An independent youth arts development agency committed to developing creative opportunities for young people aged 12-25. Current programme of work includes: Projects, Training, Youth Arts Consultancy, Networking and Advice Services, and Creating Futures specialist arts work with young people at risk.
  • BBC Blast
    BBC Blast aims to inspire and motivate young people to develop their creative talents and showcase their art, dance, film, music, writing, games and fashion skills.
  • Creative and Cultural Skills (CCS)
    Creative & Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for Advertising, Crafts, Cultural Heritage, Design, Literature, Music, Performing, and Visual Arts. We bridge the gap between industry, education and the government, to give employers a real influence over education and skills in the UK.
  • Higher Education and Research Opportunities (HERO)
    HERO is the official gateway to UK universities, colleges and research organisations. HERO provides information, a database of links, to all aspects of higher education across six sections packed with information, advice and essential contacts.
  • Ideas Factory
    The Channel 4-produced Ideas Factory aims to help people to make their first - or next - move in their career in the creative industries. The website has sections on writing, new media, funding and awards.
  • Voluntary Arts
    Voluntary Arts Network aims to promote participation in the arts and crafts across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Education and training

  • Arts and Humanities Research Council
    The Creative and Performing Arts section of the AHRC website has been developed to help practice-led researchers working in the creative and performing arts easily find information about current AHRC funding opportunities and events relevant to their community.
  • Artswork
    An independent youth arts development agency committed to developing creative opportunities for young people aged 12-25. Current programme of work includes: Projects, Training, Youth Arts Consultancy, Networking and Advice Services, and Creating Futures specialist arts work with young people at risk.
  • Ashridge Business School
    Ashridge provides executive education and management training
  • BBC Blast
    BBC Blast aims to inspire and motivate young people to develop their creative talents and showcase their art, dance, film, music, writing, games and fashion skills.
  • Camberwell College of Arts
  • City & Guilds
    City & Guilds offers learners over 500 qualifications in 28 industry areas – so that they can learn skills that equip them to fulfil their career ambitions or enrich their leisure time.
  • Common Purpose Matrix Programme
    Common Purpose is a not-for-profit that offers a wide range of open and customised leadership programmes.
  • Creative and Cultural Skills (CCS)
    Creative & Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for Advertising, Crafts, Cultural Heritage, Design, Literature, Music, Performing, and Visual Arts. We bridge the gap between industry, education and the government, to give employers a real influence over education and skills in the UK.
  • CreativePeople
    The CreativePeople network offers information on resources and events: workshops, conferences, courses, mentoring schemes, critical appraisal services and online toolkits. You will also find news about job opportunities and commissions.
  • Cultural Leadership Programme
    The Cultural Leadership Programme (CLP) is a Government funded investment in excellence in leadership across the creative and cultural industries.
  • Glasgow School of Art
  • Hereford College of Art and Design
  • Higher Education and Research Opportunities (HERO)
    HERO is the official gateway to UK universities, colleges and research organisations. HERO provides information, a database of links, to all aspects of higher education across six sections packed with information, advice and essential contacts.
  • Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
    Aims to help create a strong, diverse and sustainable economy in Scotland.
  • iCould
    Inspiring films on starting out on a career or making a career change.
  • Ideas Factory
    The Channel 4-produced Ideas Factory aims to help people to make their first - or next - move in their career in the creative industries. The website has sections on writing, new media, funding and awards.
  • Kent Institute of Art and Design
  • Kingston University
  • Myerscough College
    A blacksmith training college
  • National Society for Education in Art & Design (NSEAD)
  • PPA
    Association for publishers and providers of consumer, customer and business media in the UK
  • The Royal College of Art
  • University College Falmouth
  • University of Brighton
  • Voluntary Arts
    Voluntary Arts Network aims to promote participation in the arts and crafts across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Industry bodies and associations

Publications

  • Blueprint
    Design magazine
  • Creative Blueprint (CC Skills)
    The Creative Blueprint is the Sector Skills Agreement for the Creative & Cultural Industries.
  • Creative Review
    Magazine covering visual design and advertising from around the world
  • Design Boom
    Design ezine with topics on art, architecture, fashion, photography and graphics.
  • Design Week
    Design news and jobs
  • Grafik
    Graphic design magazine
  • PPA
    Association for publishers and providers of consumer, customer and business media in the UK

Unions and staff associations

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