Catalyser
Catalyser is a creative learning programme for people aged 18-25 years which takes place at Clod Ensemble Studios in North Greenwich.
The programme allows young artists to work with Suzy Willson & Paul Clark, Clod Ensemble’s associate artists, and guest facilitators. Creative workshops in Catalyser focus on movement, theatre, sound design, visual arts and architecture. Participants gain access to industry networks, peer-to-peer learning and support, Clod Ensemble’s wider programme of professional development and the free use of our studios.
Image credit Vipul Sangoi The first Catalyser course took place over twenty-five days in Autumn 2022 when Clod Ensemble invited twenty young artists to our studios in North Greenwich. Co-designed with local young people, Catalyser 2022 aimed to address identified gaps in available support and barriers being faced by those who wish to enter or progress in creative careers. Free to attend, participants were also given a bursary to participate so that they may have time to develop their creative skills, create new career pathways and be agents of positive social change. Reflections on the first Catalyser programme from a participant can be found here.
April 2024 saw 22 young creative practitioners come together to share, devise and develop their creative practice. The programme began with a series of workshops held at Clod Ensemble Studios. Participants worked with Suzy Willson & Paul Clark as well as a selection of our associate artists and guest facilitators. Further reflections from the 2024 intensive can be found on our blog page here.
Image credit Vipul Sangoi We are delighted to announce the call-out for young artists aged 18-25 for Catalyser 2026.
This year’s Catalyser will focus on socially engaged practice – using artistic and creative skills to work directly with people and communities outside of traditional arts spaces. We are looking for musicians, dancers, visual artists and performers with an interest in taking their expertise to sectors such as healthcare, education or social work.
The programme dates are as follows:
- Monday 9 February – Thursday 12 February
- Monday 16 February – Thursday 19 February
- Monday 23 February – Thursday 26 February
The workshops will draw on Clod Ensemble’s 30 years of experience and case studies from their extensive archive. Sessions cover a broad range of areas including: facilitation, workshop planning, producing, international collaboration, working with children and elders, accessibility and creative health.
Following the initial intensive, participants receive 6 months of continued professional development support, including mentoring and access to our studio space.
HOW TO APPLY
Please Note: Applicants must be able to attend one of the three taster workshops to be considered for a place.
- Friday 16 January (ONLINE) from 13:00 – 14:00
- Monday 19 January (at Clod Ensemble Studios) from 10:30 – 12:00
- Tuesday 20 January (at Tramshed, SE18 6ES) from 16:30 – 18:00
To submit an expression of interest, please complete the short form found through Eventbrite here (the form will appear promptly after registering to attend a taster workshop)
Catalyser welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and artistic disciplines. We are particularly interested in hearing from those who have faced barriers to a career in the arts. These barriers might be social, financial, structural, or a combination of all of three.
Catalyser Cohort Grid 2024. Image credits: Yungbio Photos and Kenny Alabi BURSARY INFORMATION
All participants will receive a travel bursary, to cover the cost of return travel to the studio (approx £10.50). We have a limited number of programme bursaries which is an additional £25 a day. Programme bursaries are for people who would not otherwise be able to participate.
If you have any questions, please contact Fraser at fraser@clodensemble.com
“I got 1-2-1 mentoring when I needed help, and got studio space when struggling to find space for rehearsal.”
“Catalyser was a fantastic opportunity that taught me new skills and motivated me to explore creative industries.”
“I feel way more confident in my abilities as an artist and more equipped to make my own work.”
Catalyser 2022 was supported by D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust; Garrick Trust; Portal Trust; Knight Dragon; L&Q.
Catalyser 2024 was supported by The O2 and the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Catalyser 2026 has been generously supported by the City Bridge Foundation, the D’oyly Carte Charitable Trust and The Finzi Trust.
