As part of the IW Creative Network's talent development programme, we're offering 2hr long creative advisory sessions with specialist in Artist Support Alys Scott Hawkins. These are released quarterly to individual members of the network.
Applications are NOW OPEN for Round 2. Sessions to be taken in September 2025.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR ROUND 2. Deadline to apply: Friday 22 August 2025, 11.59pm.
Alys will provide 121 online Creative Advice Sessions for those that need support in developing their portfolios, requiring guidance in arts funding applications, current ideas or ways to progress in their field of work and working in any creative discipline. Please note specific dates / times will be available on the application form for you to select from, and if successful, your session will be online via Zoom (or online meeting tool of your choosing). Sessions will last x2 hours each.
Photo by Maria Bell
About Alys:
Alys Scott Hawkins is a specialist in Artist Support, providing guidance and advice to overcome barriers, plan projects and make funding applications. She is a member of the Artist Council: the advisory panel for a-n: the UK’s largest membership organisation for visual artists. Previously she led the Artist Development programme at 'a space' arts, Southampton, drawing on her long-standing networks within the arts sector across the region.
She is an artist who works with drawing and animation. Her background is as a freelance animation director, running a small business producing short films for broadcast, not-for-profit organisations, education and the private sector; winning international awards, and screening work at more than 30 international film festivals. As a Senior Lecturer she has designed and delivered teaching and BA and MA level, and produced original research: presenting at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals on the process of making animated documentary films.
What others have said:
“I was at a crossroads with my work so gave the 121 a go. Alys was a great listener and teased out new directions I’d never imagined - I now feel much more confident going forward. I’ve started to apply what we discussed and really pleased with the results.” James Lord, artist.
“Alys and I talked for 2 hours and it flew by. The session was well constructed and her ability to communicate how the session would go was great. I was able to talk about my work and where I wanted it to go. Alys was incredibly skilful in bringing out of me things I’d never verbalised before. It was extremely helpful and it gave me clarity on aspects of my work. Since the session my work flow has improved significantly. I can recommend Alys to anyone who needs some sensitive and thoughtful mentoring.” Babs Gowan, artist.
“The impact on my work of the 1:1 with Alys was pretty immediate. I'd felt quite stuck in my practice for months, a bit of a creative block with no direction to take my work in. After speaking with Alys for just 2 hours I was buzzing with ideas and excited to start creating work again - I could instantly see the development and where I was taking it. From that one meeting I came away with an idea for a new project that feels totally aligned with where I want to take my creative practice and have since booked my first solo exhibition space. Without the 1:1 with Alys I think I'd still be stuck and not moving forward at all let alone at the pace I am now!” Sara Truckel, artist.
Please note, 121 session dates / times will be arranged with successful applicants. All members can apply and it doesn’t matter if you've previously gained a 121 with Alys.
All applicants will be contacted shortly after the deadline to inform them whether or not they have been successful.
If you have any questions or require support filling out the online application form please email georgia@creativeisland.org
