Creative Courses

Types of courses

Our courses offer structured creative learning that will help you progress as an artist and build confidence in your ability. You will develop transferable skills for life, that will give you a stepping-stone to future ambitions. Some courses are designed for beginners, or those new to the artform, and others are suitable for those wishing to progress in their chosen artform. Our courses are run by professional artists, writers and musicians, who have lots of experience working with people from all backgrounds. Class sizes are small with a maximum of ten people. Courses are held weekly during daytime hours, in accessible community centres.

Our courses are offered in partnership with Cambridge Regional College and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.

“I have been able to meet new friends, develop all sorts of skills and crucially, build up my confidence in a safe & supportive environment”

— Paulette

About

Your commitment & entry requirements

Our courses are open to adults aged 19+ (you must be aged 19 on 31 August 2023) who live in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region*. Starting a course is a different experience for everyone, but there are some basic expectations that we will ask you to commit to for your course to be successful:

You must be able to:

Commit to the period of learning and attend regularly
Comprehend and follow instruction
Articulate personal responses
Learn
Work independently and with others
Complete and submit creative and written work to deadlines
Access essential equipment

We can make reasonable adjustments according to your support needs which will be discussed at your application appointment.

*We may be able to offer a few places for those with postcodes out of the region (excluding London), depending on funding. However, this will affect the fee bands (see below). UK nationals and EU nationals with Settled Status are eligible for funding. Other situations are considered on a case-by-case basis and will be responded to individually.

Prioritisation

Where courses are oversubscribed, we prioritise new learners with health conditions, disabilities and/or unpaid caring responsibilities. You cannot do the same course more than once and you may only be able to take one course at a time.

Cost

We aim to keep our courses affordable to people on low incomes and offer payments by instalment. If you receive means-tested benefits or have a low income (we may ask you for evidence), you will be eligible for a reduced fee. Any fees charged in Band A provide a contribution towards administration costs, field trips and end of course performances and exhibitions; all direct learning is free of charge. If you are experiencing extreme hardship, let us know. Fees vary for those living outside of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority region.

*Band A is available to those receiving a means-tested benefit (e.g. council tax, housing benefit, employment support allowance, pension credit, income support, jobseeker’s allowance or universal credit) OR on a low income, below £22,500 if living in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) area and £20,319 if living outside this area.

** Band B is a rate available to those NOT on means-tested benefits but with an income between £22,500 - £28,000 if living in a CPCA area or between £20,319 - £28,000 if living outside this area.

Band C is a rate for those with an income above £28,000.

Full details of our Pricing Policy are available on request.