Creative Cardiff and Rabble Studio's pilot creative desk space programme, Ymlaen!, has welcomed its first placement recipient.
The opportunity for a recent graduate of Cardiff University to develop their creative practice in Rabble’s eclectic, complementary community of friendly and creative people launched in November 2017. The funded desk space and mentoring programme was open to graduates looking to start a creative business and is supported by Creative Cardiff and Cardiff University’s Enterprise and Start-Up team.
Jannat Ahmed, the first Ymlaen! recipient, recently graduated from Cardiff University's School of English, Communication and Philosophy with a Masters in English Literature. Jannat, who describes herself as a 'hopeful novelist and editor', is determined to bring 'thoughtful, beautiful and eclectic literature' to the public.
She said: "I'm absolutely delighted and so excited to be working with Creative Cardiff and Rabble Studio as the first of the Ymlaen grad placements.
"It's such a huge opportunity for me. I can't wait to bring my new creative writing magazine, Lucent Dreaming, to life with their generous mentoring and support."
Director of Creative Economy at Cardiff University, Sara Pepper, said: "The creative economy in a city is only as good as its new entrants and with this programme, we endeavor to help graduates to take the first steps in their careers with confidence.
"This collaboration between Creative Cardiff and Rabble Studio will create an environment where new creative businesses are developed and encouraged in the best way possible. We're thrilled to also welcome the expertise of the Enterprise and Start-Up team at Cardiff University to ensure recent graduates can feel as supported as they can be in setting up their own business."
Founder of Rabble Studio, Dan Spain, said: "When Rabble Studio opened last year, exploring the possibility of bridging the gap between University and working life in the creative industry was a no-brainer. If we could offer a safe space for graduates to develop their creative ideas or businesses, and surround them with an eclectic mix of professional freelancers who all run successful businesses and could also offer their support, advice, guidance and friendship; we’d be helping to fill that post-uni void, giving graduates a real opportunity to succeed.
"Rabble has been developing this idea of supporting graduates for the past 18 months and now, thanks to some amazing support from Cardiff University and a powerhouse of a collaboration with Creative Cardiff, we can officially make this opportunity a reality!"
Sean Hoare, Enterprise Manager in the Careers & Employability team at Cardiff University, is also supporting this project. He said “With support from Santander Universities we are proud to be able to support Ymlean and graduates like Jannat with the expertise, tools and funding needed to help bring her ideas to life.”
The second round of applications for Ymlaen! will open in spring 2018 for a 2 July start at Rabble Studio.
If you wish to be notified when applications open, email creativecardiff@cardiff.ac.uk.
Read about Jannat's first week in Rabble Studio here.
Read Jannat's latest blog here.
Read Jannat on: Coming to the end of Ymlaen! Reflecting on my six month placement at Rabble Studio
