Creative Network
We hope The Old Electric will become a new home for the independent and freelance sector as well as staff from the area’s many creative organisations to come together regularly, test ideas and to build a network of creative practice.
We will be hosting a regular monthly breakfast meeting and networking opportunity open to any creative professionals living or working in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre.
The focus of these meetings will be to:
- share plans & programmes in order to connect with and complement each others’ ideas
- discuss larger funding applications and how we can offer value to each others’ bids
- find out about ideas for positive practical solutions eg ticketing, training, work experience etc.
- network informally across organisations and individuals
- engage with presentations about current relevant initiatives and projects
- take inspiration from occasional inspirational speakers from artist communities & other relatable fields
- participate in moments of creative activity
- explore how skills-sharing and other forms of currency can be developed in the town
- disseminate commissioning opportunities and other information
These meetings will take place 8.30-10am the first Thursday of each month starting from 7 September 2023.
They are open to: Professional artists and arts organisations (commercial or non-profit who are formally constituted) across all art forms, who seek to be paid for their work.
They are free to attend but attendees need to register in advance.
In registering and attending all recognise the aims of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre Creative Network are:
- To build a community of practice based on trust, collaboration, shared goals, mutual support and with the aim of developing ideal conditions for all where creative work can be made; to understand different experiences and viewpoints; to make positive, constructive contributions to debate, offering alternatives and solutions.
- To support efforts to access large scale investment in our places, and to be actively involved in the planning and delivery of ambitious, strategic and risk-taking projects; to develop a diverse cultural sector that is an important part of economic and social redevelopment and result in significant future investment.
- To create a culture of open and transparent relationships; to actively learn from ‘big name’ artists or organisations who are commissioned to work in our places; to reduce the talent drain and to build a place in which artists can survive and thrive, be self-sufficient and actively contribute.
This spirit of sharing is key to the future success of all our activity and the basis of being able to develop a creative & cultural strategy for the town.
If you’d like to present something at the next network meeting email info@theoldelectric.co.uk