The Graduate Incubation Programme officially launched in the Autumn of 2020 as an opportunity for graduates from Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts to pursue their business ideas and turn them into reality — particularly in the areas of climate emergency, social justice and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
After completing the 12-month journey of dedicated enterprise support, including mentoring and workshops with industry representatives, the first cohort who joined the programme are now getting ready to bring their businesses to life. From upcycling, to innovative set design and even healthcare communication; meet the social innovators and entrepreneurs paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the creative industries.
Giulia Gallon Costume: costume design meets nature
Giulia completed her BA (Hons) Costume for Theatre and Screen at Wimbledon College of Arts in 2019. Her work is widely inspired by music and art, and her eponymous label Giulia Gallon Costume is known for embedding theatrical elements such as bold colours and voluminous figures in garments. Thanks to her commitment to sustainability in her design work, she was chosen as one of the first graduates to take part in the Graduate Incubation Programme 2020/21.
HOFSTUDIOS LTD: breaking down barriers with creativity
House of Fire Studios (HOFSTUDIOS LTD) is led by David Kamara, a BA (Hons) Fine Art 2019 graduate from Chelsea College of Arts. His company is a multimedia production house honouring the next generation changemakers and dreamers, those who are willing to imagine what might be possible and go after it.
KAKE Studios: preserving the old so you can love the new
Kelly Akehurst, the face behind KAKE Studios and recent graduate from BA (Hons) Costume for Theatre and Screen, came up with the idea to extend the life of clothes by reworking them into something exciting and new. The UK fashion house also offers a tailoring service to allow customers to find the perfect fit.
Using a hybrid model to make theatre more equitable: Amalgam
After graduating from Wimbledon College of Arts in 2020 with an MA in Theatre Design, David Medina Águila focused his work on improving the diversity and equality of theatre through his hybrid production company: Amalgam. By merging digital and physical experiences suitable for both theatre and screen, the set designer aims to make theatre truly accessible to everyone.
On the Mend: fighting healthcare inequalities with design experiences
The importance of effective healthcare communication has never been more evident than now, but medical information is still not accessible to everyone. On the Mend is a design studio that tailors vital information to different communities through various mediums — some examples include health workshops, a set of perfumes in a stroke rehab ward, and a game about blood donation.
By applying her designer mindset to the rigid structures in the healthcare system, Mathilda Della Torre, who graduated from BA (Hons) Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts in 2017 and then completed the MA Graphic Communication Design at Central Saint Martins in 2020, ensures knowledge reaches more people so that they’re able to take care of their own health.
The PopUp Girls Shop: supporting emerging independent, female-led and sustainable labels
THE POPUP GIRLS, created by Chelsea's BA (Hons) Textile Design graduate Madison McGlennon, is a platform to discover the best independent female-led labels who champion sustainability without compromising on quality or style. From clothes, to accessories, artwork, jewellery, home decor and so much more!
Roko Press: publishing prints and zines while protecting the environment
Lena Yokoyama, a 2020 graduate from Camberwell College of Arts in BA (Hons) Illustration, is the co-founder of Roko Press which publishes prints and zines with a zero waste to landfill policy. All the items produced and packaged are 100% plastic free, sourced from recycled and post-consumer waste sources and mostly biodegradable.
Throughout my time on the programme, I had to define who I was and learn how to present my work to an audience, which gave me confidence on who I am as a creative and what I represent. It was really valuable seeing all the other amazing creative entrepreneurs who joined the programme, and how business concepts be applied similarly to different types of businesses and individuals.
Rose Danford-Phillips Studios: exploring the colourful range of sustainable textiles
Rose Danford-Phillips Studios is an inclusive fashion and interiors studio inspired by the designer's love for nature. BA (Hons) Textile Design graduate Rose Danford-Phillips aims to design garments which are not only ethically and naturally produced, but at the same time don't compromise the potential of colourful and exciting aesthetics.
The Graduate Incubation Programme has provided us with a good overview of all aspects of starting and growing a business, and how we can apply them to our own. I've been really inspired by the experience, which has encouraged me to dedicate more time to use what I've learned to transition my current business into the ideal one.
Studio Improviso: creating art out of waste
After graduating with an MA in Fine Art in 2019, Luisa Rodriguez joined the Graduate Incubation Programme to launch Studio Improviso, an art and design studio creating artistic features made from waste for commercial and corporate spaces, with a plan to expand to the residential sector. The services range from consultancy, conceptual and technical design to fabrication with the aim to lead on the development of new sustainable design aesthetics.
District Wild: repurposing artist’s waste for urban gardening
District Wild is the brainchild of Ashley Goldman, who graduated from Camberwell's BA (Hons) Fine Art: Drawing in 2020. Her business comprises a collection of sustainable urban gardening retail products made from waste products provided by artist’s studios across London. It aims to promote the rewilding of urban environments as its products encourage pollination by creating areas of green respite in gardens, balconies or city rooftops.
My business was very much at the idea stage, however that didn’t seem to matter. It has changed and grown over the programme so far. I have a brilliant enthusiastic mentor who has not only given good sound advice and support but also introduced me to some potential retail avenues.
Uped: learn how to upcycle and take care of your old clothes
Uped is a sustainable fashion platform by Agne Jonynaite, who graduated from MA Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts in 2020. The service aims to help consumers keep their clothes for longer by selling upcycling kits, providing free step by step guides and organising free fashion upcycling workshops for the local community.
The Graduate Incubation Programme is open for 2016-2021 graduates from Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon.
The programme aims to promote and progress diversity in the creative and digital industries. Graduates who meet one or more of the following criteria are particularly encouraged to apply:
The programme also strongly encourages applications from graduates who are under-represented in the digital industries including LGBTQI+, Female and Disabled Founders.
Alumni from UAL's Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon have the chance to turn their creative ideas into successful early-stage businesses thanks to the year-long Graduate Incubation Programme.