On the 8th of March, 2025, The Connecting Notts Board hosted the  “Connecting Notts: Creative Networking” event, a gathering that brought together over 30 young creatives eager to glean insights from some experienced  Freelancer creative’s in the Midlands creative scene. The event offered a platform for aspiring creatives to learn firsthand about navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities of freelance life in the creative field.

A Panel of Visionaries

Sophie-Jane Corner: A multifaceted choreographer, poet, and filmmaker, Sophie shared her journey toward establishing her own company, ‘In Limbo’. This platform is dedicated to helping recent art graduates find their footing in the competitive creative industry and other early career creatives. She discussed the motivation behind her decision to also transition from working under the direction of others to actually steering her own creative ventures such as her first short film she is working on ‘Hindsight’ . Sophie’s initiative in starting the ‘Its Nott Working’ networking festival was also a focal point, illustrating her dedication to creating collaborative spaces for artists to network and enhance their careers.Sophie-Jane Corner is forging her own path with her production company and devising her own work. Her story was a powerful testament to the transformative potential of self-initiated projects and the importance of creating spaces.

Jake Orr: Jake, a theater producer and freelancer , spoke about the impact of his work in creating societal change through the arts. He detailed the creation and evolution of his festival ‘Queer Up, Duck!’, a festival that brought together the LGBTQ+ community in Nottingham. This festival spanned over two weeks and transformed 13 venues across the city into celebratory spaces for queer art and expression. The festival’s diverse programming included art exhibitions, film screenings, comedy nights, poetry readings, and musical performances, each designed to bridge the gap between generations within the LGBTQ+ community. Jake’s discussion provided insights into the challenges and successes of his career so far from working in marketing for over a decade to then starting his production company and producing his own work and freelancing leading to great success such as his ‘Queer Duck Festival’ a significant cultural event. His commitment to making the arts accessible and vital to societal dialogue resonated deeply with attendees. 

Nikki Charlesworth: Nikki, a theater designer and puppeteer, highlighted her pioneering work in disabled-led theater making. She shared stories from her recent projects, which focus on inclusivity and accessibility, demonstrating how her designs and puppets help bridge communication gaps and bring narratives to life for all audiences. Nikki’s dedication to her craft and her role as a facilitator for workshops also underscored the importance of education and active participation in expanding the reach of creative endeavors. Nikki elaborated on several key projects that underscore her approach, including the widely acclaimed production, “What Happened to You?” This puppetry-based show, designed specifically for young audiences, has toured extensively, reaching outdoor festivals, libraries, and hospitals both in the UK and Canada. The show’s design is tailored to engage children in narratives that challenge perceptions about disability and promote inclusivity. Her commitment extends beyond the stage, as she also serves as a support worker and uses her proficiency in British Sign Language to foster an inclusive environment in her projects and workshops. 

The event was a resounding success, marked by vibrant discussions and enriching networking. Attendees thrived in the structured yet free-flowing environment, which encouraged direct engagement with both panelists and attendees. Feedback from the event highlighted its success in trying to break down networking barriers. One participant said;

“Networking rocks. The conversational and free-flowing nature of the guided Q&A was really good” 

This event was not just about sharing contacts but also about deepening understanding and collaboration among local creatives. The atmosphere was particularly empowering for creatives, with one attendee sharing;

“Feeling validated about being in the creative field as a creative artist”

A sentiment that resonates deeply in an industry often shadowed by self-doubt. This positive feedback underscores the importance of such gatherings in fostering a strong, supportive community. Attendees left not only with new connections but also with renewed confidence and inspiration, affirming the ongoing need for such dynamic networking spaces. 

Looking forward, the enthusiasm and feedback suggest a strong appetite for more such events, with suggestions for more interactive workshops and diverse activities to complement the panel discussions. This feedback will be invaluable in shaping future events to better meet the needs of Nottingham’s creative community.

Again the event was a resounding success, providing early – mid career creatives with a much-needed platform to connect, learn, and grow. The blend of insightful talks, meaningful networking, and a supportive environment underscored the event’s pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of creative professionals in Nottingham and beyond.

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