The Hidden Art Social Franchise model is unique and the first Social Enterprise Franchise to be tested in the UK.

 

The Social Franchise concept aims to facilitate the support of a much greater number of designer-makers, utilising the valuable learning already acquired by the Hidden Art team and local designer-makers, and allowing it to benefit designer-makers far beyond London.  It ensures there is consistency in provision, and builds on the best to create a national and potentially international model of excellence in the designer-maker sector.   

 

Hidden Art Cornwall, run by University College Falmouth, is the first Hidden Art social franchise and was officially launched on 11 November 2005.  Hidden Art Cornwall has been extremely successful and benefited 120 designer-makers in its first year.

 

Organising an exhibition at a gallery in Cornwall, numerous Networking / Training Sessions, visits to international trade shows and an acclaimed Summer Design Fair at the historic Godolphin House & Gardens with over 3,000 visitors, are just some of the activities they have run.  They have also participated on the Hidden Art stand at 100% Design and Milan and their members have been able to have their own Directory on the Hidden Art website and apply to sell on the Hidden Art E-Shop.  (For more information visit: www.hiddenartcornwall.com.)

 

 

Hidden Art is inviting Expressions of Interest from organisations based in England interested in applying the Hidden Art model to their region organically.

 

Hidden Art aims to assist two regions in England that are interested in working with the Hidden Art model, to implement a tailored project (a regional Hidden Art branded design fair),  and so organically and cost efficiently, start to apply the basic aspects of the Hidden Art model in their area  - without reinventing the wheel!  The running of the Design Fairs would also necessitate providing complimentary support to designer-makers including design fair related practical training sessions on subjects that help optimise the impact of the Design Fairs.    This will help build the capacity, networks and ability of their designer-makers to reach new audiences.   

 

Over the past 10+ years the benefits to designer-makers and the local community as a whole, in East London from Hidden Art’s services have been dramatic.  Evaluations demonstrate that Hidden Art boosts confidence, sustainability and helps create stronger design clusters, supporting a culture of innovation.   This has been recognised by many of our partners and funders who have witnessed the sustainable growth of the design sector in East London, much of it attributable to Hidden Art.

 

 

Building on our experience with Hidden Art Cornwall, we bring you a tailored support package including your own dedicated section on the Hidden Art website.  Pilot hubs will need to identify and appoint a local Project Manager to scope and run the fair, but this person will be actively supported by Hidden Art.

 

If you are interested, please find further details in the document attached below.