We’re super excited to introduce Ben Page - the very first recipient of the Lucky Draw artist support fund, launched this year by Open School Creative (OSC), a joint project from BEAF Arts Co and TOSH.
Ben is an illustrator and designer, currently exploring the world of tabletop games from his base in Bournemouth. A graduate of Arts University Bournemouth and now working full time with a local creative events company, Ben has been carving out time to develop his own practice, and the £500 Lucky Draw came along just at the right time.
“I’m buzzing about this,” Ben told us. “I’ve been in such a career-driven mindset lately and this is that extra shove to keep me on track… Now I’ve got the extra backing there’s no excuse for me not to go full steam ahead!”
OSC’s Lucky Draw is more than just a £500 no-strings-attached fund - it’s a creative development offering designed to deliver real, ongoing support to local artists. Alongside the funding, Ben now has free access to our After Hours desk at TOSH, where he can keep working on his board game ideas in the evenings and weekends.
Ben will also receive one year of free access to all OSC events and workshops - a growing programme delivering creative support sessions for artists interested in skills building, career guidance, community, and connection. Working with our team of creatives at TOSH and BEAF, Ben will receive regular check-ins and mentoring tailored to his goals, from kickstarter and crowdfunding to art markets and self publishing.
The Lucky Draw was created with accessibility and simplicity in mind, inspired by Southampton’s ‘A Space’ Arts’ Lucky Dip. Unlike many arts funding schemes, Lucky Draw applications are quick, informal, and inclusive. If you live in the Bournemouth postcode area (including Christchurch, Poole, Purbeck, and surrounding BH areas) and work in any creative field - from theatre and visual arts to games, music or architecture - you’re eligible.
We acknowledge that the path to sustaining a creative practice isn’t one-size-fits-all. The Lucky Draw exists to invest in individual journeys, give artists the space and tools they need, and remove some of the usual funding barriers that block so many from getting going.
We’re excited to keep growing the Lucky Draw community throughout 2025 and beyond, and to support more local creatives in developing their practice.
In fact, last week we drew our second ever winner of the Lucky Draw - Rachel Norden!
Rachel is a multi disciplined artist, illustrator, surface pattern, packaging, textiles and print designer based in Poole, who plans to invest in creating a range of prints and textile wall hangings.
“This will give me the freedom to focus on developing my art practice, with the goal of gaining local recognition and securing design projects, while also pursuing opportunities with global brands!”
If you're a local artist or creative and you’re curious about applying, the next Lucky Draw deadline is Monday 25th August - and you only need to apply once to be entered into all draws for 12 months.
And if you're working on a creative project alongside a 9–5 and want a supportive, inspiring place to work on evenings and weekends, check out our After Hours desk membership at TOSH (£120/month rolling, with free trial available). Just drop us an email at contact@toshspace.co.uk - we'd love to hear from you!
