Open Studios and Business Coaching for Growth at the Chocolate Factory

The Chocolate Factory in Wood Green, managed by our partner Collage Arts, is home to some 230 creative businesses  - which throw open their doors each year for their 'Open Studios'. 

This year, the Open Studios take place on Saturday and Sunday 12 -13 November 2011 (12:00 noon until 6:00pm).

At Rinova, our staff, trainers and business advisers have worked closely with Collage Arts over the years to support the business aspirations and ambitions of the creative companies based at the Chocolate Factory. As well as supporting the preparation of the Open Studios, and as a follow up to it, we are delighted to be planning a new Business Coaching for Growth programme for a number of Chocolate Factory businesses.  Part funded through the Leadership and Management Programme, brokered by Triangle Fusion and in partnership with the Interchange Trust, Rinova will provide the owners and managers of some 20 companies with in-depth coaching and training to support their business growth ambitions.

Kingsley James, Rinova's senior business adviser, says "It is a real pleasure to be working closely with the Chocolate Factory artists again to support their development and growth.  I have coached a number of the artists there at different times over the years and its been a delight to see how it has developed. The work that Collage Arts and their adviser Duncan Sones have done this year to take the marketing approach to a new level is fantastic and I'm looking forward to supporting a number of the companies through the new programme to follow up the Open Studios."

The Open Studios is a chance to buy work from 75 visual artists and 25 makers.  Chocolate Factory Wood Green is London's largest and most lively studio complex - all under one roof.  Last year, more than 7,000 people visited the Open Studios to see, commission and buy  - or just to take in the atmosphere.  Admission is free - so why not join us?

Jewellery design from Lea Yehud and 'Ant' by sculptor Lawrie Simonson

The Chocolate Factory, Clarendon Road, Wood Green London N22 6XJ
Telephone: 020 8365 7500
www.chocolatefactoryartists.co.uk
www.facebook.com/ChocolateFactoryOpenStudios

 

Manoj Ambasna, from the Chocolate Factory, said:

"Chocolate Factory is home to the largest group of artists and makers in London; nowhere else will you see work of this quality and diversity and get the chance to meet the people who created it. 

Paintings and prints are on sale from around £60. But Chocolate Factory is also home to some internationally renowned artists and the price of this work reflects their reputations. However you are buying direct from the artists.

We have a real niche of makers in fashion and accessories - and this is the place to come and see what will be the next big thing on the high streets.  Our makers supply internationally recognised retailers but here you can buy directly from them. This gives you a chance to get customised or one-off pieces and the opportunity to buy affordable luxuries. Just 20 minutes from Kings Cross up the Piccadilly Line."

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