A key member of one of Manchester’s most iconic indie bands is to host a series of free events geared towards helping more local people to break into the creative industries.
Martyn Walsh, bassist of the Inspiral Carpets, will chair a series of “Made in Manchester” panel discussions at Manchester Central Library, bringing together experienced creative professionals to pass on their advice to those who are looking to make their breakthrough, or who want to meet new contacts.
The first event will focus on freelancing and takes place on Tuesday 7 November (6 – 8pm), with themes for future events due to include gaming and comedy.
There’ll be hints and tips on how to get work and keep it, maintaining a good work / life balance and – importantly – how to make sure you get paid.
Martyn has been named Creative Industries Guru in Residence at the Business & Intellectual Property (IP) Centre at Central Library and will also host a free monthly advice surgery for anyone who is interested in setting up their own creative business.
Martyn said: “The idea is to put on some events that anyone can attend, whether they’re already part of the creative industries scene, or want to break into it.
“Putting together a panel gives people the opportunity to hear different experiences and also to ask questions. If you’re trying to get into, say, film-making, it can be hard to meet people and network with others.
“These days, many careers in the growing creative sector are freelance. We will be discussing how to survive, stand out and make the most of the opportunities available”.
Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, said: “The Business & IP Centre at Central Library is the perfect place for anyone who is thinking of starting a business, with free access to information and resources, including market research, plus lots of advice and activities such as Martyn’s new Made in Manchester series. There’s even a 3D printer to try.
“These free events, chaired by Martyn, will be a great opportunity for anybody who is looking to break into the creative industries.”
The line-up of panellists:-
Tom Clarke from The Sharp Project
Tom is head of PR and marketing for SharpFutures, The Sharp Project and Space Studios Manchester. The wide ranging role covers press, comms, graphic design, social media and event production, working with clients such as BBC, ITV, YouTube and CoderDojo as well as training apprentices for the creative digital sector.
Having worked in the Manchester creative industries since 2000 for organisations such as Factory Records, In The City, Unity Radio and into his current role, Tom has worked with freelancers on a weekly basis, collaborating on a wide range of creative projects.
Alison Surtees from the Manchester Music Digital Archive & BECTU
Alison is a creative producer / project and production manager. She is co-founder and Board Member of Manchester District Music Archive, a user-led archive celebrating Greater Manchester’s musical heritage and Learning Organiser for BECTU, developing training and CPD for creatives across the creative industries. She is also Director of Programmes at In Place of War, Trust Administrator for Future’s Venture, and a long-time collaborator with Soup Co, a Manchester based digital media and arts collective.
Pip Rustage, Photographer
Pip is a professional photographer mainly working in advertising with personal shoots, demonstrating her creative freelance offering. 15 years in the industry working as a pro photographer, six in photojournalism and currently nine years freelance.
Made In Manchester: The Ups & Downs of Freelancing
6-8pm, Tuesday 7 November, FREE
Book your free tickets at Eventbrite.