IdeasTap was a United Kingdom-based charity and online platform dedicated to supporting young creative talent across various disciplines. Launched in 2008 by the Peter De Haan Charitable Trust, its primary mission was to provide funding, opportunities, training, and a community for aspiring artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, designers, and performers aged 16 to 30.
History
IdeasTap was founded with a substantial endowment from the Peter De Haan Charitable Trust, established by Peter De Haan, co-founder of Saga Group. The platform quickly grew to become a prominent resource for emerging creatives in the UK. It operated for seven years, during which it facilitated numerous projects, offered grants, provided access to industry professionals, and published extensive editorial content related to the creative industries.
Despite its success in supporting a large community of young people, IdeasTap announced its closure in July 2015. The decision was attributed to the challenges of securing sustainable long-term funding beyond its initial endowment, in an increasingly competitive philanthropic landscape. The organization ceased operations later that year.
Mission and Activities
IdeasTap's core mission was to bridge the gap between education and professional life for young creatives. It achieved this through a multi-faceted approach:
- Funding and Commissions: IdeasTap offered a variety of grants, bursaries, and commissions, enabling young artists to fund projects, develop their skills, and bring new work to fruition. These opportunities often covered diverse fields, including music, theatre, film, literature, visual arts, and digital media.
- Opportunities: The platform listed a wide range of paid and unpaid opportunities, including jobs, internships, apprenticeships, and collaborations with cultural institutions and companies.
- Skills Development: IdeasTap provided access to workshops, masterclasses, and networking events led by industry professionals. It also published a wealth of online resources, articles, and interviews offering practical advice on topics such as portfolio building, grant writing, self-promotion, and navigating the creative industries.
- Community and Mentorship: Members could connect with peers and mentors, fostering a supportive environment for collaboration and professional growth.
- Editorial Content: The website featured original articles, interviews, and news designed to inform and inspire its audience, covering trends, challenges, and successes within the creative sectors.
Impact and Legacy
During its operational period, IdeasTap became a vital resource for thousands of young people across the UK. It was widely recognized for its direct financial support, its role in demystifying the creative industries, and its efforts to make careers in the arts more accessible. Many individuals who received support from IdeasTap went on to achieve significant success in their respective fields. Its closure was met with widespread disappointment within the UK arts community, highlighting the gap it left in providing comprehensive support for emerging talent. The organization served as a model for how a dedicated online platform could empower and connect young creatives.