IW Creative Industries Conference – ‘The Art of Creative Collaboration, Innovation, and Enterprise’

*Update: We’re fully booked! If you have booked & can no longer make it, please cancel your booking so another creative can attend. You can still sign up to join the waiting list.*

Thursday 3rd October 2024, 9:30am – 5pm FREE, booking required
Building 41, Newport Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 8BX

To watch the live recording, please CLICK HERE.

Mark your calendars for an unmissable day of creative inspiration, collaboration, and growth! Join us for the IW Creative Industries Conference, a dynamic event designed to empower freelance creative professionals and organisations on the Isle of Wight.

This full-day conference will explore the vital role and future of the creative industries on the Island. Through expert-led keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, you’ll dive deep into the benefits of diversifying income streams, building networks, and fostering innovative collaborations.

This event is carefully curated by the IW Creative Network in partnership with Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy, offering a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives, expand your horizons, and gain practical insights that can transform your career or business.

Speakers & Guests:

  • Ian Boyd, The Common Space
    Provocation: “Creativity is Not Enough”
    As the opening speaker, Ian Boyd will challenge the traditional approach to creativity, urging us to move beyond short-term projects and embrace a sustainable cultural framework for the Isle of Wight. The Common Space is a Sandown-based organisation dedicated to shaping better places through innovative community projects like The Lost Duver and The Science Beach.
  • Rosie Wolfenden MBE, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Tatty Devine
    Keynote: Creative Collaboration
    Rosie Wolfenden will share insights from her journey growing up on the Island, and building the renowned jewellery brand, Tatty Devine. Known for its bold, playful designs and collaborations with iconic artists such as Gilbert and George, Jeremy Deller and Rachel Maclean, to David Bowie, Beetlejuice and Pulp, the brand has set new standards in wearable art. Rosie’s presentation will focus on the power of collaboration in the creative industry.
  • Lorraine Jones & Dawn Odoi, Creative Catalyst Innovation
    Keynote & Workshop: “Igniting Creativity: Innovation as the Catalyst for Transformation”
    Lorraine Jones and Dawn Odoi from Creative Catalyst Innovation will lead a session on how innovation can drive transformative change in both the creative sector and broader community. Through their expertise in strategy, research, and market insights, Lorraine and Dawn will inspire attendees to rethink the potential of creative enterprises.
  • Panel Discussion, Chaired by specialist in Artist Support Alys Scott Hawkins:
    This engaging panel will feature Rosie WolfendenJoe Plumb (Theatre Maker), and Jan Frith (Visual Artist). Together, they will explore how collaboration and innovation can open new avenues for creative professionals on the Isle of Wight.
  • 121 Sessions with Creative Advisors:
    Jeanette Howells and Alys Scott Hawkins will offer 121 advice sessions from 3.30-5pm. These sessions will provide attendees with practical guidance on business development, funding applications, portfolio building, and more. Deadline to apply for a 121 session: 1st October, 12pm noon. To request a 121, please make sure to book your ticket to the event and fill out this short application form (spaces are limited).

Schedule:

9.30am Arrivals & registration / drinks
10am Welcome & introduction by Georgia Newman, Creative Island – Deputy Director & lead for IW Creative Network
10.10am Provocation: ‘Creativity is Not Enough’  by Ian Boyd, The Common Space 
10.30am Presentation on Creative Collaboration + Q&A: Co-Founder & Managing Director of Tatty Devine, Rosie Wolfenden MBE
11.20am ‘Igniting Creativity: Innovation as the Catalyst for Transformation’ by Creative Catalyst Innovation: Lorraine Jones, Innovation & Strategy Specialist & Dawn Odoi, Research & Insights Specialist
11.40pm Workshop/breakouts facilitated by Creative Catalyst Innovation
12.20pm Regroup & summarise
12.30pm LUNCH 
1.15pm Speech by Cllr Julie Jones Evans, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture & Leisure
1.30pm Panel Discussion, Chaired by specialist in artist support Alys Scott Hawkins with Rosie Wolfenden, Joe Plumb – Theatre Maker and Jan Frith – Visual Artist.
2.15pm Q&A + Open floor discussions, Chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins 
3pm Closing remarks 
3.30pm Networking/coffee/bookable 121 slots with Creative Advisors
5pm End 

What to expect:

  • Network with Over 50 Creatives: Engage with a diverse group of creative individuals and organisations from across the Isle of Wight and beyond.
  • Expert Insights: Access to thought-provoking keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops that address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the creative sector.
  • Collaborate and Innovate: Discover new ways to collaborate, innovate, and diversify your creative practice, with a focus on practical advice and real-world applications.
  • Personalised Support: Bookable 121 sessions with creative business advisors, offering tailored advice on everything from fundraising to finding new revenue streams.
  • Leave Inspired and Informed: Gain a deeper understanding of the creative landscape and leave with actionable ideas and strategies to advance your projects and career.
  • Live Streaming: Can’t attend in person? The main event will be live-streamed and documented, making it accessible to all by media company Skinny Mammoth.
  • Free Lunch! A light buffet style lunch will be provided as well as tea/coffee and biscuits to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
  • Welcome Pack: We will have these printed on the day, but if you wish to download this in advance, please CLICK HERE.

How to book: IW Creative Network members receive priority booking, so secure your spot asap! Tickets are FREE, but spaces are limited and very likely to sell out. Book now via the Eventbrite link below.

Venue Information: Building 41 is a modern, fully accessible venue with excellent transport links with a bus stop located just outside on Newport Road, between Ascensos and BAE Systems, just outside of Cowes in Northwood.

Parking and Transport: Parking is limited to residents of Building 41 and there are very limited parking bays available by pre-booking only. We recommend the nearest parking at Somerton Park & Ride (Newport Road, Cowes, PO31 7ER) which is a 5 minute walk, £2 per day, and we suggest car sharing where possible – which you can arrange through posting a notice on the IW Creative Network Facebook Forum, to other members of the network.

Alternative transport options include: Drop off to Building 41, cycling (onsite bicycle storage available) and by bus (BAE Bus stop via the Number 1 Park & Ride bus).

Lunch: We can provide alternative lunch bags to those with specific dietary requirements, but event tickets must be booked by 1st October and fill in the required booking information. (Disclaimer – the caterers will do everything they can to reduce risk of cross contamination but due to working in a small kitchen & preparation areas, they cannot guarantee a 100% allergen free meal with zero trace.)

Accessibility: The venue offers dedicated parking for those with health conditions or impairments, a disabled lift, wide doorways, and accessible toilets. Please email any access requirements to [email protected].

Book a 121 with a Creative Advisor: As part of the offering, you can book a 121 session with one of our Creative Advisors – Jeanette Howells or Alys Scott Hawkins, providing tailored advice on everything from fundraising to finding new revenue streams. These ‘speed-date’ style sessions will take place from 3.30-5pm for 30mins per session, after the main conference at Building 41. To apply for a 121 session with one of our Creative Advisors, please make sure to book your ticket to the event and fill out this short application form.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Tue 1st Oct 2024, 12pm noon. Please note, numbers are limited for this opportunity and are given on a first come first served basis.

Watch online: The main event will be live-streamed via the IW Creative Network YouTube channel, and will be recorded to watch back after the event. Please CLICK HERE to access the live stream (9.45am-3.30am, 3rd Oct 2024).

BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE NOW!