MadeSC

MadeSC is a creative development program supporting independent artists, creative businesses and arts organisations to develop their arts practice and professional skills, create work and connect with opportunities to present. 

The program is an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council designed and delivered in partnership with the creative sector, and includes creative labs, workshops, mentorship models, residencies and presentation opportunities. 

MadeSC broadly encompasses two streams – Professional Development and Creative Development - as well as the presentation of work developed throughout the program.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Facilitated by Creative Business Plus, this free workshop series provides professional development for individual artists, small creative businesses and arts organisations with specific focus on business basics and marketing. Register for one session, a couple or the entire series. This program has been designed with flexibility in mind to meet the unique needs of artists and arts organisations in the Sunshine Coast region.

Business for Creatives – half-day workshop

This fun and friendly in-person workshop will cover all the essentials that a creative practitioner needs to get the basics of business right, and avoid some of the most common pitfalls that artists can experience when entering the world of self-employment, contracting and freelancing. Business for Creatives was designed by creative practitioners for artists at any stage of practice, and in any type of creative work. It’s a friendly safe space where every question is a good question, myths and mysteries will be revealed, and the complexities of business will become a little clearer. 

Details: Friday 14 March 2025, 2–5pm, Maroochy Surf Club

Marketing for Creatives – full-day workshop

Marketing is one of the most despised and least understood aspects of running a creative business or working in the arts. Most creatives hate to sell and would rather be making than hustling. However, there is a simple solution to making marketing more palatable – take out the sales and focus on the strategy. Marketing for Creatives is a fun, practical and collaborative event focused on a simple six-step marketing approach that has been designed by fellow creative professionals to take the pain out of promotion.

Details: Saturday 15 March 2025, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Venue 114

Online Webinar Series 

To supplement the learning of the half and full-day events, these weekly webinars run for 90 minutes and cover in more detail the tactics discussed in Marketing For Creatives. Even if you can't make it to the in-person events, we invite you to join us online and deep-dive into all things marketing. Book in for one or all.

1. Marketing – Websites | Monday 24 March 2025, 5:30–7pm
   This webinar examines best practice for creatives to present their websites, with examples and helpful resources for DIY design.
    
2. Marketing – Social Media & LinkedIn | Monday 31 March 2025, 5:30–7pm
   This interactive webinar covers the basics of how to kickstart marketing using social media, with a focus on the main tools at your disposal and the strategy behind the socials.
   
3. Marketing - Old School Methods | Monday 7 April 2025, 5:30–7pm
   Everything old is new again – with the increased instability of social media, more creatives are turning back to previous marketing tactics. This webinar explores the benefits and practicalities.
   

I Hate Networking – evening event

Networking is a necessity in the creative industries, but many practitioners consider it to be the stuff of nightmares. I Hate Networking is an entertaining hybrid between traditional workshop and social event designed to encourage creative people to get to know each other, while acknowledging the horror, and sharing a few tips at the same time. 

Details: Friday 11 April 2025, 5:30–7:30pm, Light Industry Studio.

Presented in partnership with Light Industry Studio.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 

The creative development stream of MadeSC supports the generation of new work on the Sunshine Coast through a combination of access to space, funding, mentorship and production.

MadeSC Lab: annual weekend creative development intensive for artists

The MadeSC creative development program kicks-off with this one-day intensive for creatives. Emerging and established artists are invited to bring bold ideas and new beginnings for a creative workout. Facilitated by a diverse group of peers, curators and sector leaders, this weekend is an opportunity to flesh out concepts and play with new ways of working, engage in critique and explore the context of your work and extend networks and identify the next steps in your project.

Details: Saturday 22 February 2025, 9:30am - 4:30pm, 2ND Space

Arts Practice and Residency Program

Artists will be invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the 2025 – 2026 MadeSC program, which will be delivered in partnership with venues, organisations and presenters across the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

Successful artists selected from the EOI will be invited to proceed to a full application.

Key Dates

• 24 February 2025 - Annual Creative Development Stage 1 - EOI Open
• 1 April 2025 - Annual Creative Development Stage 1 - EOI Close
• 14 April 2025 - Annual Creative Development Stage 2 – Applications Open
• 18 May 2025 - Annual Creative Development Stage 2 - Applications Close
• 1 July 2025/26 - Annual Creative Development Residencies Commence  

MadeSC is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Any questions?

If you would like more information, please email CreativeArts@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

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