Ten regular creative networking events across the UK
Networking can be an important part of establishing your career in the creative industry. Studies have shown that most creatives receive work from people already in their network. It’s not always the easiest activity, especially if you’re an introverted person, but by being in a space filled with people who have similar interests, it’s possible to find people you get along and want to build a community with.
Below, we’ve collated ten different networking events across the UK – some are online, while others are in person. They range from more general events suitable for everyone to niche spaces addressing specific issues in the industry, such as the lack of diversity or ones that promote womxn in leadership. So scroll on and start getting involved!
1. Pocc
Good for: People of colour navigating the creative industry
Cost: Free
Pocc is a creative network driving cultural impact. It brings like-minded creatives together through WhatsApp groups and also hosts networking sessions and talks. The group seeks to share frustrations on non-inclusive creative environments and raise awareness on problematic representations of culture.
Find out more here
2. I Like Networking
Good for: Womxn and non-binary people in the creative industry
Cost: Free
I Like Networking is a career platform for women and non-binary people in the creative industries, with a mission to enable individuals to thrive in their careers and create better workplaces in turn. It hosts regular events and networking sessions on differing themes, from how to get your business up and running, to breaking through in specific careers.
Find out more here
3. Creative Quests
Good for: Global creatives looking for a surprise
Cost: Free and differing price brackets depending on membership
Creative Quests is a community hosting a monthly, immersive digital programme that helps users explore their creative potential alongside a worldwide community of fellow Questers. Each quest embraces a different theme encouraging its community to look to new perspectives – previous ones have included Colour, Rewilding, Collage, Movement, Poetry and Home. The platform hosts weekly workshops full of playful and enriching conversations.
Find out more here
4. Bricks Learner’s Platform
Good for: Creatives interested in the intersection of fashion and precarious social systems
Cost: £3-£7.50 per month
Bricks Learner’s Platform was created from a dire need for more accessible, alternative education methods. The platform seeks to tackle a range of social issues facing emerging creatives just starting out in the industry, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. It provides access to an online community, including a podcast on how to navigate the creative industry, as well as talks, panels and workshops.
Find out more here
5. CreativeMornings
Good for: Global creatives looking for IRL and virtual meetups
Cost: Free
In CreativeMornings, creatives gather in cities around the UK, worldwide and online via virtual field trips to establish connections, community and opportunities. Volunteer hosts organise local chapters that seek to celebrate the city’s creative talent, and promote an open space to connect with like-minded individuals. They boast a rich archive of past breakfast talks, from, in their words, “design legends to hometown heroes”.
Find out more here
6. Ladies, Wine & Design
Good for: Womxn and non-binary people in the creative industry
Cost: Free
Ladies, Wine and Design is a global non-profit initiative aiming to overturn the statistic that only 0.1% of creative agencies are founded by women and non-binary people. It has a number of UK chapters in regions including Belfast, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cheltenham, Exeter, Ipswich and Lancaster, alongside big cities. The inclusive space hosts a number of online and IRL events as well as spaces to get together as a community.
Find out more here
7. The Other Box
Good for: Emerging creatives from underrepresented backgrounds looking to diversify the industry
Cost: Free
The Other Box is an organisation dedicated to increasing diversity in the creative industry, particularly through boosting involvement among those from underrepresented backgrounds. An intersectional and inclusive safe space, they encourage discussion and support in their large Facebook group. It’s a growing online space for sharing inspiration, opportunities, news, events and more.
Find out more here
8. AllBright
Good for: Women in the creative industries
Cost: Free, with other paid tiers
The funding, education and support network links female founders to funders and creates an entertaining programme of workshops in London, Manchester and Glasgow, including FoundHER and the AllBright festival. AllBright explores a range of topics from women in journalism to how to get unstuck and make progress in a career.
Find out more here
9. Creative Equals
Good for: Talk lovers and workshop hosts
Cost: Prices vary
Creative Equals is a diversity organisation providing support, bursaries and programmes in the hopes of equalising the creative industry. It hosts a jam-packed events calendar featuring industry leaders as well as Talkshops – events which are half-workshop, half-igniting conversation.
Find out more here
10. AOI illustrator meet-ups
Good for: Illustrators looking for IRL and online meetups
Cost: £3.50-£5, with AOI members receiving discounted rates
In the Association of Illustrators’ own words, ”illustration can be a lonely business at times”, and their regional UK meetups – including Norwich, Cardiff, Leeds, London and more – aim to get such creatives to chat with industry peers, both online and IRL. Led by AOI’s many volunteer members, meetups are open to all illustrators, with AOI members receiving a discounted rate.
Find out more here
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If you have any other networking circles that you think should be added, feel free to get in touch and let us know at [email protected]!
Written by Jyni Ong