A new awards scheme aimed at encouraging more young people in North West Scotland and the Highlands and Islands to set up businesses in the arts, craft and creative industries sector has just been launched.
The Jolomo PSYBT Awards is the result of a unique partnership between the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and John Lowrie Morrison - Jolomo - one of Scotland’s best loved contemporary artists.
Born in Glasgow, Jolomo (pictured in Oban at the Award launch) is a leading Scottish painter renowned for his dramatic and colourful contemporary landscapes. Now living and working in Tayvallich, Argyll, Jolomo has spent much of his life painting the landscapes of the West Coast of Scotland and he is hoping through these awards to encourage more young people from the region he loves, to make a successful business whether its from arts, crafts and creative industries.
Throughout 2008 and 2009, with the help of a generous donation of £10,000 from John Lowrie Morrison, the awards will support approximately 8 young entrepreneurs in the arts and creative industries through PSYBT start-up grants of up to £1000 as well as loans of up to £5000. Eligible candidates will include everything from fine arts such as sculpting to handicrafts like quilting, through to decorative arts including wood crafting and glass blowing, and applied arts such as graphic design and film making. In addition every two years, the award scheme will recognise the special achievements of three young businesses under themes including distance travelled/personal development, commercial awareness/business skills and innovation/creativity.
Winners will be selected jointly by PSYBT and Jolomo and will receive prizes of £500 as well as special promotional opportunities and inclusion on Jolomo’s website.
