GLASGOW-BASED organisation Scotland Re:Designed seeks to provide support for home-grown talent within fashion, textiles and interior design.
Known as SR:D, it was founded by Chris Hunt, director of Genuine PR, in 2005 after a group of creatives went to his agency looking for advice.
The Scottish entrepreneur realised that there was a gap in the market for sector-specific guidance and representation in Scotland.
Hunt says: “Organisations used to advise me that if you want to be successful you must head for London. SR:D seeks to battle this notion and builds an infrastructure at home, as well as striving to deliver a high-quality annual showcase here.”
As early as 2006 it was clear Hunt was on to something big, with a raft of campaigns and events being organised.
Hunt’s efforts in supporting the Scottish creative industries have not gone unnoticed. In 2015 he was presented with the UK-wide Creative and Cultural Skill Design Award for helping young individuals work within the creative industry regardless of their background.
SR:D pride themselves on curating shows within an art and design environment and believe this is key to its thriving success. The organisation offers exposure across international platforms, with annual showcases in New York and Hong Kong.
The organisation also hosts the country’s annual industry awards. The prestigious ceremony acts as a fundraiser and helps Scottish businesses towards the costs of participating at Paris Fashion Week, London’s Men’s Fashion Week and Clerkenwell Design Week.
Project PR and event co-ordinator Shauna McGregor recognises the importance of fundraising and sponsorships which are required to maintain the organisation.
She explains: “We strive to raise enough sponsorship and funding to deliver a yearly showcase. Whilst we may have an opportunity available for five or six companies, we often receive around 70 applications per show.”
As the deadline approaches for SR:D’s November programme, Hunt recognises the unfortunate truth that there are no guarantees in a highly competitive market, saying: “There is a heavy amount of voluntary work involved in the making and delivery of SR:D across the board which can be difficult at times, however the passion and talent is exactly what fuels us, and we hope to raise the funds needed.”
To get involved this November or for more information visit www.scotlandredesigned.com.
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