The IW Creative Network Development Programme offers a range of Creative Training Sessions, in-person and online, all geared to inform, inspire and help develop your business skills working in the creative industries.
As a member of the network, you get access to all of our previous online Creative Training Sessions, which are recorded and posted on our Resources page of the website.
All Creative Training Sessions must be booked via the Eventbrite links which will come available in the News & Opps section of the website. Look out for these sessions via our Instagram & Facebook pages, and monthly e-newsletter – double check your Spam/Junk folder for our newsletters and mark as ‘safe’.
Please note, spaces for these sessions fill up fast – so make sure to book your place!
Creative Training Sessions coming up in 2026…
The Bit in the Middle: Staying Power in Business
Workshop by Founder, Effie Moss
Thursday 30 April 2026, 10.30am – 1.30pm at Building 41, Cowes
Most support exists at the beginning of a business, when ideas are exciting and everything feels possible or at scale, when growth is obvious and visible. Very little exists for the stage in between. “The Bit in the Middle” is the phase where businesses are no longer new but not yet established in the way their founders imagined. It’s where cashflow gets real, teams begin to form, funding decisions matter and the landscape starts to change. This is where many businesses stall, not because the idea isn’t good, but because the skills required to stabilise and simplify are rarely taught.
In this workshop, Effie Moss explores how to recognise the Bit in the Middle, build staying power and move through this phase with clarity -> practically, strategically and personally. This session is for founders who want to build something that lasts, strengthening both their business and themselves along the way.
Click here to find out more & book your place. Spaces limited.
CREATIVE PRACTICE SESSION: PRIORITISING YOUR WORK
Tuesday 5 May 2026, 5.30–7.30pm | Building 41, Cowes | Free
Following our recent round of 1:1 sessions with artist support specialist Alys Scott-Hawkins, we received far more applications than places available. To support more members, we’re offering this small group session (max 10 people) focused on prioritising your creative work when life pulls in multiple directions.
Many creatives juggle practice alongside family, work, health and funding applications. This informal session will help you step back, reflect and find practical ways to move forward with greater focus and clarity.
Alys regularly supports Creative Network members through mentoring, group crit sessions and project development advice.
Places are limited to 10 participants to keep the session supportive and conversational.
Click here to find out more & book your place. Spaces limited.
PART 2 OF DIY VIDEO PRODUCTION TRAINING SESSION WITH KATSI
DATE & TIME TBC | Building 41, Cowes | Free
If you came along to Part 1 of this hands-on session back in February – now it’s time for Part 2, we move onto Editing! Learn the basics of creating great video content using the tools you already have – from mobile phones to DSLRs. This practical session with IW-based videographer and audio engineer Katsi covers everything from planning and filming to editing and colour grading, using powerful (and free!) software. Perfect for creatives looking to up their video game for social media, portfolios or promo.
This practical, supportive session will walk IWCN members through the key stages of DIY video production – whether for social media, funding applications, websites, or content creation – with a focus on using what you already have: a smartphone, DSLR, laptop, or even just an idea.
A brilliant chance to build confidence in video creation, learn new techniques, and get inspired to share your creative work through film.
Booking available soon! Watch this space!
GROUP CRIT SESSION
DATE & TIME TBC | Quay Arts, Newport
Members are welcome to join in these quarterly group Crit Sessions, chaired by specialist in Artist Support Alys Scott Hawkins. Alys provides guidance and advice to Artists & Creatives to overcome barriers, plan projects and make funding applications. She is a member of the Artist Council: the advisory panel for a-n: the UK’s largest membership organisation for visual artists. Previously she led the Artist Development programme at ‘a space’ arts, Southampton, drawing on her long-standing networks within the arts sector across the region.
A crit is a critique where one creative will be invited at each session to share their work with a group and speak about their work, idea or a project they are pursuing, looking for honest, constructive feedback from other artists. These sessions will be limited to max 20 places within each group.
Provided in collaboration with Quay Arts in Newport, these are for creatives working in disciplines such as visual & performance art, animation, moving image, sound, photography, craft.
Want to present your work at a future Crit? Email georgia@iwcreativenetwork.com with a short outline and links to your work.
Booking available soon! Watch this space!
COFFEE & CHAT SESSIONS for 14-25 year olds
Next session: TBC
Working in collaboration with Brave Island, we’re providing a series of ‘Coffee & Chat’ sessions for 14-25 year olds. Each month, along with a small group, you have the chance to meet with a different industry professional and find out about their job, how they got to where they are today, or ask for any advice they have to offer.
Brave Island is a platform set up through Ventnor Exchange, to provide more creative opportunities to 14-25 year olds living on the Isle of Wight. They offer mentoring, funding, experiences, and training, there’s something new every week and everything is completely free to take part in.
To attend a Coffee & Chat session you must be aged 14-25 and need to sign up at www.braveisland.uk. Then just book your place via the Brave Island website and tell us why you would like to take part.