skip to main content

Creative Ambitions for Freelancers Programme

The Creative Ambitions skills development and support programme is now open and available to those based in Scotland.

Published: 24 February 2022 | 11:32 AM
Woman sitting at open laptop smiling with headphones on.
This online programme has been designed to support freelancers who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Image credit: Shutterstock.

This online programme has been designed to support freelancers who have been adversely affected by the pandemic, including those in the performing arts, events and live sectors such as stage. If you want the tools to rebuild, refocus and re-energise your practice Creative Entrepreneurs Club want to hear from you. 

The programme focuses on upskilling and reskilling freelancers on reconnecting with audiences, markets and buyers of their skills, goods and services. It aims to highlight the advantages of portfolio working and how to explore new avenues and opportunities for work in areas like Net Zero Transition, with a very key emphasis on well-being and boosting personal resilience.

Course content 

Creative Ambitions is a 10-week linear programme featuring a curated selection of modules, live group discussions and access to a closed community space with additional bonus content.

Across the 10-weeks participants will learn what it takes to develop a mindset for freelancing successfully, understand who their audience is and how to reach them, manage and master their pricing, budgets and funding and how to collaborate, network and thrive.

  •  Week 1 – Welcome to Creative Ambitions
  • Week 2 – Live Group Session
  • Week 3 – Establishing a Creative Mindset
  • Week 4 - Live Group Session
  • Week 5 – Knowing and Reaching Your Audience - pivoting 
  • Week 6 - Live Group Session
  • Week 7 – Money, Money, Money
  • Week 8 - Live Group Session
  • Week 9 – Sharing Your Story & Green opportunities
  • Week 10 - Live Group Session

 The criteria

This is a fully funded course but participants must be based in Scotland, over 25 and a professional in the creative industries, ready to upskill or reskill. 50% of the available places on the programme are reserved for eligible freelances residing in rural Scotland.

 Further information and how to join

The course has been developed in partnership with Skills Development Scotland, Future Economy Company and Social Investment Scotland, and funded by the SDS Creative Industries Freelance Workforce Recovery Programme, supported by the Scottish Government National Transitions Training Fund. 

Please visit The Creative Entrepreneaurs Club website for more information and to register for the next intake session. 

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Close up of a Border Security Officer at a computer.

Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US

Tamizdat, a non-profit organisation that facilitates international cultural exchange, has provided updated advice for those entering the US, further to recent press commentary regarding increased scrutiny at ports of entry.

Published: 27 March 2025

Read more about Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US
Ankna singing into a microphone on stage.

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

In our fourth and final blog for Women's History Month 2025, vocalist Ankna Arockiam explores the challenges women in the music industry face, her work around higher education and activism, and how joining the MU opens up opportunities for a more inclusive industry.

Published: 26 March 2025

Read more about Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”