SCOTLAND’S largest unbiased jewelry faculty, Vanilla Ink CIC, has expanded its footprint within the east finish of Glasgow.
The college has gained a brand new studio area to assist budding jewellers get their enterprise concepts off the bottom.
The addition of a brand new purpose-built studio has elevated its capability at Brook Road Studios with devoted educating area for its 10-month INKubator Programme.
The brand new area additionally options two new shared studios, creating round 10 further benches for native jewellers.
Vanilla Ink’s growth has been funded by a £45,000 mortgage from accountable finance supplier Social Funding Scotland (SIS), which will even assist the college launch a brand new on-line studying hub for artists the world over.
The brand new workshop benches will give the Neighborhood Curiosity Firm (CIC) further area to proceed educating sensible jewelry creation, in addition to industrial and enterprise abilities to assist the scholars arrange their very own enterprises.
Vanilla Ink presents a variety of lessons, from weekend workshops and common jewelry crafting to make-your-own marriage ceremony rings and stone setting, alongside many different specialist lessons for every stage and functionality.
The college prides itself in supporting college students social and financial challenges together with psychological well being challenges and neurodiversity, adapting its educating strategies to go well with every particular person.
In addition to providing teaching and programs, Vanilla Ink studio areas are rented out to established jewellers, encouraging a collaborative surroundings between college students and the opposite jewellers.
Ellie Smith-Barratt, CEO of the jewelry enterprise, commented: “At Vanilla Ink CIC we not solely share our love of jewelry making, however intention to encourage and make a optimistic affect in our communities.
“Our lessons present a type of escapism for individuals who actually need it and we’re repeatedly adapting our practices to nurture the expertise that comes by our door.
“The extra workshop benches and on-line programs will give us the chance to share our ardour for our craft with extra folks and proceed to embrace our ethos: Educate, Encourage, Empower.
“It’s an thrilling time for Vanilla Ink, and we’re grateful for Social Funding Scotland for supporting our progress as a CIC with a ardour for supporting our local people.”
Chris Jamieson, head of investments at SIS, added: “We’ve seen the superb work the college has accomplished, from the impeccable jewelry the scholars have designed to the variety of social initiatives they provide to make a distinction for the local people.
“The brand new workshop benches will guarantee extra learners can stroll away with specialist abilities, and the arrogance to start out their very own companies, in addition to offering an extra income stream for the organisation.
“We’re wanting ahead to working with Vanilla Ink as they embark on this subsequent part of progress and considerably improve their affect inside each the local people and wider inventive group.”
