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Creatives In Residence Live

Creatives in Residence Live (CIRL) logo
A unique and exciting six-month textile design project

 

CMYUK launches Creatives in Residence Live and worldwide design competition

Unique internships supported by government scheme and industry partners provides invaluable opportunities for young creatives

CMYUK has announced the launch of its Creatives in Residence Live programme.  This exciting initiative will give three young surface designers and one talented videographer an outstanding opportunity to undertake a 6-month placement at CMYUK’s advanced digital training and demonstration facility in Shrewsbury. 

CIRL is supported by market-leading brands Epson, Canon, Mimaki, EFI, Klieverik, and Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems. A number of industry mentors including: Adobe, Aquario, Standfast and Barracks and The Pattern Room have also confirmed their participation in the learning journey, with more collaboration to follow across the production workflow as the project takes shape. 

This initiative is open to young people registered on the government’s Kickstart scheme.  CMYUK has seized this opportunity to establish a disciplined and comprehensive internship programme that provides a valuable transition from an educational setting into commercial world practices. 

The young designers will develop their creative talents through practical applications and useful insights from leading industry experts. The chosen videographer will capture these ventures through a vlog, producing an engaging multi-platform, social media story for the décor, fashion, design and print communities – adding an interactive dimension to the progressive learning experience. 

   Digital textile printing – a watershed moment 

The textile industry is currently undergoing radical transformation – disrupted by digital printing capabilities and e-commerce business models. These lend themselves to on-demand personalisation for short-runs or one-off production, and just-in-time processes that dispense with the need for expensive storage or the creation of surplus items that don’t sell. 

CIRL allows young creatives to fully absorb these trends and technologies, providing them with insight, experience and practical knowledge that is highly advantageous for their early career development. 

   Real work learning and mentoring

A six-month curriculum consisting of monthly modules has been written exclusively by industry expert, multi-disciplined practitioner, and award-winning textile designer Debbie McKeegan. As well as being the founder of TexIntel, the independent online resource for the digital textile community, Debbie also represents FESPA as its Textile Ambassador for this project. 

Each module underpins the knowledge and insights required for the designers to complete monthly briefs and is supported in collaboration with a whole host of industry experts, print designers, specialist practitioners and mentors. There will be a final showcase at the end of the six-month period, where everyone involved will come together to celebrate the achievements of the creatives in residence.

“I am thrilled to be part of this unique project which has put the needs of the next generation at its core. The curriculum I have originated delivers creatives a comprehensive, practical insight into real world digital production and commercialisation. The calibre of mentors and industry experts that have signed up to assist these young people is significant, presenting an opportunity of a lifetime. Texintel is also CMYUK’s promotional media partner for the event – all modules and content will be available online as this exciting learning experience unfolds,” said Debbie.  

   Worldwide design competition

Throughout the process, the CIRL experience will be captured and shared on social media to encourage a dynamic interactive community that is exposed to all the learning experienced by the in-house creatives. 

CIRL is designed to be a collaborative experience.  All design briefs will be made available online so that design students worldwide can participate.

“Creatives in Residence Live is a stimulating project that has scaled-up the Kickstart scheme into an exciting springboard opportunity with global industry exposure,” said Robin East, Sales & Marketing Director, CMYUK. 

“We were determined to create something inspirational that could benefit as many young people as possible, which ignited the live interactive ‘fly-on-the-wall’ aspect.  It’s also been truly uplifting to witness the genuine enthusiasm from industry mentors and sponsors who have already signed up. The programme starts on September 5th and we are very excited to watch it unfold, as CIRL will make a real difference to the prospects of these young people.” 

Go to the Creative In Residence Live page for the latest videos and posts   |   Enquire here to be a sponsor or Mentor    |   Apply to be a kickstarter