I think I’m very lucky that I work in such an open and inclusive sector. There really is a great camaraderie within the jewellery industry and individuals are often very happy to share a bit of industry advice or lend you a bit of gold solder in an emergency!
That being said I’ve been supported by larger funding bodies at various points in my career most notably Creative Scotland – the public body that distributes funding for the arts, screen and creative industries from two primary sources – the Scottish Government and the National Lottery.
Creative Scotland funded a US research trip in 2015 that formed the basis of my first solo show – Exothermic in 2016 and supplied some of the business start-up funding to set up the Central Scotland School of Jewellery in 2016. When I think back to how the school started with shared tools split over a couple of folding tables in the local hall it blows my mind how far we have come.
The School was also very lucky to qualify for some government help during the Covid crisis without which we would have surely gone under! The funding landscape is definitely more limited these days and the financial pressures faced by individuals and businesses are ever-increasing which is why I’m so thrilled that our students have access to our new concessionary fund supported by Goldsmith’s Centre.
Jo Pudelko
Director,
Central Scotland School of Jewellery
The Goldsmiths Centre – Setting Inclusivity
CSSJ #3 – Duckburn
Burning Man WIP
