Joining Creative Breaks

Thank you for your interest in Creative Breaks. The association is a not-for-profit organisation that has been operating in Herefordshire and surrounding counties since 2000. Our primary goal is to promote regional courses and course providers to visitors and local people. Our members have cited the following as their main reasons for joining Creative Breaks:

• Great website – we have a database driven website which includes a “home page” for each full member, individual course listings and a link to the member’s own website.
• To sell places on courses – “My courses now fill up well in advance of the course dates.” Jenny Pearce, basket-maker.
• Information, advice and support – all the members are happy to share experiences, successes and failures as course providers, so everyone can learn from each other.
• Printed brochure and advertising – our annual brochure lists each member and is distributed throughout the UK(20,000 copies 2009-10), and we have also gained editorial coverage in a range of titles.

While past members have focused on visual arts and crafts, we have recently expanded our membership in new areas to include a broader range of creative activities such as performing arts, cookery, garden design, heritage crafts, personal development and eco-friendly activities.

How to apply to join

An initial expression of interest, by email, to enquiries@creative breaks.co.uk is a good starting point. We will respond to this within a few days.

Application to join the group is by letter detailing the courses you will be running, your teaching experience and photographic/recorded evidence of tutor’s work and the venue(s) here your courses takeplace. Please feel free to include other materials such as brochures or leaflets, website details etc. that you feel enhance your application. Due to rising administrative costs, a non-refundable application fee of £25 is also required, but you are welcome to email us in order to discuss your application prior to submission or payment of the fee. Cheques should be made payable to Creative Breaks Association and must accompany your application for it to be considered.

What happens next?

The Creative Breaks Management Committee will evaluate your application and will either make a decision to accept or refuse membership, request additional information, or ask to meet with you and visit the site where courses take place. Several factors influence the committee’s decision, including the range of subjects you offer and the number of current members offering similar courses. We currently limit the number of providers in any one discipline to two members.

What if I am successful?

If your application is successful you will be asked to complete a Membership Agreement, confirming that you accept and will be bound by the association's Rules and Conditions and to forward payment of the annual membership fee (see Benefits and Fees).

Other useful information

On the right are downloadable documents which you may find useful:

• A breakdown of membership criteria, responsibilities, fees and benefits
• A copy of the Association’s constitution
• A copy of our current brochure