Celebrating GM Greats – How Their Career Could Influence Yours: L.S. Lowry
Greater Manchester can proudly proclaim that it is the home of many talented people. Many individuals from GM are celebrated for the work they have done or are doing. This is a huge testament to the range of skills and abilities of the people belonging to the region.
That’s why we’ve created this new blog series, where we’re choosing different icons of Manchester and taking a deep dive into why they’re famous and what you could learn from them. We’ll be doing this either around their birthday or another special day they’re known for.
Our first icon? The Streford-born artist L.S.Lowry.
The icon
L.S Lowry was born on the 1st of November 1887. He was an artist whose work earned him worldwide recognition. His work and its influence have surpassed his lifetime. His pieces are celebrated for their ability to represent the working-class communities that he lived in.
Not too familiar with the work of L.S.Lowry?
The Lowry theatre (named after the man himself) has his work on display as well as an immersive experience of one of his most famous painting. Visit the Lowry website to arrange your free visit.
Artistic Careers
Visual art can be much more than creating a piece of work that is pleasing on the eye. Lowry had the ability to represent the communities he knew and lived in with his drawings and paintings.
Like Lowry, you might feel the drive to create art because of a feeling or message you’d like share. Perhaps it’s a way of expressing yourself, or you simply enjoy it.
Whatever your reason, a career in the arts can be incredibly fulfilling, and L.S. Lowry who chose to live in the Northwest his entire life, even after achieving global success, is testament to that.
Who in Greater Manchester can help nurture your talent?
Are you an aspiring early-career artist in Greater Manchester? There are various schemes, grants or groups that will allow you to invest time into your artistic craft. We’ve included a list of organisations that offer opportunities that could allow you to level up as an artist. Joining groups that allow you to focus on your art is not only a great way to develop your skills, but it’s also a way to meet like-minded people. There are also grants offered within Greater Manchester to support your journey.
HOME Young Artists Studio
The HOME Young Artists Studio a 12-month programme for young people ages 14 to 18 who want to take part in workshops and work with practising artists to learn about art, exhibitions, studio working, curation, and artists’ collectives. Find out more by visiting the HOME website.
Manchester Art Gallery Creative Consultants
Manchester Art Gallery have an informal group for 14-19 year olds which holds creative meetups and hosts bigger events and exhibitions. Learn more on the Manchester Art Gallery website.
If you’re interested in joining either group, contact each organisation to ask and check out their websites to find out more.
Arts Council England
Arts Council England offer a number of different funds which could support your artistic pursuits. You can explore open funds on their website.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) offer some cultural funding that you might be able to access, either as an individual or as part of an organisation. Currently, there are three funds: Collaborate, Inspire, and the GM Culture Fund. Find out more about these on the GMCA website.
If you are thinking about a long -term career in the arts, knowing about the funding you might be eligible for in the future is really good information to have.
Opportunities
Being a part of schemes that provide training, experience or mentorship is a wonderful way to enrich your career as an artist. Many creatives kickstart or take their career to the next level after being involved in these schemes.
Fortunately, Greater Manchester is filled with creative organisations that nurture young people entering the industry.
Below, we’ve included organisations to keep an eye on. They don’t all have active schemes that they are currently running, however it’s worth checking their sites regularly this may change.
Top tip: Check to make sure you’re eligible for a scheme that catches your eye – some schemes are looking for specific candidates!
Think out of the box
Remember, all the organisations we have mentioned are just some of the opportunities available to young artists within Greater Manchester.
Your local area might have artist groups or organisations that can help you develop your skills. It’s important as a developing artist to look at all the opportunities available to you. The connections you make and the time you put into your craft, whatever level you’re practising at, will only enhance your profile as an artist.
Considering a career in art?
Perhaps a career as an artist isn’t something that interests you, but you still want to work in the world of visual art.
If so, then check out this blog from another series we have. The jobs for you might be one click away. Click here to explore jobs you might not have thought about with an art and design qualification.
