Surviving, Thriving or Diversifying: a Creative Symposium hits the mark!
On Friday 7th March 2025, I delivered a day-long symposium event at The Core in Solihull. Commissioned by and as part of a 2 year business support programme by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s Culture team - it aims to upskill, build confidence and business awareness/acumen with the local creative workforce; this event was something special! If I do say so myself!
“It was enlightening, nice to network with like-minded creatives. To see people who were once in a similar position to where I am now, thriving in the future. It’s inspiring and brings confidence that I can pursue my passion as an artist further.”
With an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers, performances, panel discussions, and workshops, attendees walked away with fresh insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed sense of community.
Morning Highlights: Setting the Stage for Creativity and Innovation
The day kicked off with opening remarks from facilitator Nyasha Daley, joined by Kate Bunting and myself, who set the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking day. A thoughtful listening session to newly composed music by Natalie Roe followed, creating an inspiring atmosphere.
Keynote Sessions
Kate Stanforth opened the discussions with an empowering keynote on Disabled Entrepreneurship & Creating Influence, highlighting how inclusivity must be at the forefront of the creative economy, and just how she started her freelance business from her bed.
Pamela Aculey (Just Like Me Books & MIXD Reality) followed with her talk, Create the Things You Wish Existed, encouraging creatives to pioneer change by developing solutions they themselves need.
A powerful physical theatre performance slot by Kelly Casey & Skylar Mabry transitioned the day into the Createch, Digital & Immersive Panel Talk, chaired by Rachel Farrer from Coventry University.
Panelists Elizabeth Lawal (More Than A Moment), Chantal Epp (ClicknClear), and Stephanie Singer (Bittersuite & Singer Creations) shared their expertise on how technology is reshaping their creative practice, the sector, and how actually - it is more accessible than many fear!
Afternoon Sessions: Strategy, Community, and Resilience
After a networking-rich lunch break, which included an optional walking tour of the ‘Surreal Solihull’ outdoor exhibition, the energy remained high for the afternoon sessions.
Keynotes & Performances
- Romanah Buchanan (Eloquent Dance) took the stage to discuss Entrepreneurial Mindset, Growth & Building Community, an essential topic for any freelancer or business owner navigating uncertain times. You could hear a pin drop during Romanah’s talk as she passionately portrayed her up-hill journey, learning and resilience.
- A reading from Abda Khan’s new book provided a reflective moment, showcasing the power of storytelling in creative expression- you can buy it here.
Breakout Sessions
Attendees then had the opportunity to select from three in-depth workshops:
1. Thriving Through Uncertainty – Sarah Brewster (Freshseed HR) shared practical strategies for creative freelancers.
2. Cash, Craft, and Career – Chris Gorry (WithByFor) helped attendees explore financial sustainability in a unique model that he developed to help himself navigate freelancing. So incredibly useful as a tool, contact him to find out more!
3. Stronger Together – Jo Ind (West Midlands Combined Authority) discussed the benefits of cooperative models for freelancers and how the WMCA can support the starting up of new co-op!
Closing Insights & Key Takeaways
Following a short coffee break, Rajpal Pardesi delivered a compelling keynote on Creativity, Culture, and Event Excellence, reinforcing the importance of cultural entrepreneurship as he leads NPO; Soul City Arts and balances a freelance portfolio between Birmingham and London!
The final panel discussion, chaired by me, brought together Solihull based creatives - Wersha Bharadwa, Rachel Sambrooks, Catherine Holland, Anushka Amliwala, Mel Keskinkilinc, and Zoe Taal to share key lessons from the Solihull Creative Business Programme that ran between September 2024 until March 2025.
The day wrapped up with an interactive workshop facilitated by host Nyasha, encouraging participants to reflect on their learnings and plan their next steps. ITZATNA Arts delivered a final, thought-provoking performance, leaving attendees inspired.
What Attendees Said
Many appreciated the chance to connect with fellow creatives and hear from successful industry professionals. Quotes from feedback include:
“I expected to be exposed to creative individuals I could be inspired by and use some knowledge learned from the day within my own career path.”
“I came away from the day feeling so inspired and uplifted by some of the stories I heard on the day from women that have faced adversity. What a great event to hold on the eve of IWD!”
“The mix of talks, breaks and workshops worked really well, I thought it would be information overload and I would be mentally drained but I was not, I felt uplifted at the end of the day.”
Final Thoughts
This symposium proved to be an invaluable space for learning, collaboration, and reflection. It reinforced the importance of connection - being together in a space to unpack the nuts and bolts of the ‘how’ in the creative industries. We talk often, in the arts, about the art, the artist and the creative practice but far less about the business know-how and tools, skills and insights that you’ll really need to make money from your work. We covered adaptability, creativity, and resilience in an evolving industry and more. What strikes me is that MORE OF THIS KIND OF TALK & EDUCATION IS VITALLY NEEDED!
Key messages: marathon mindset and the importance of diversifying your offer are key right now.
A massive thank you to all speakers, performers, and attendees who made the event such a resounding success. The conversations sparked here will undoubtedly continue to shape the creative landscape in the West Midlands and beyond.
All images on this page by Photogemphic.
Thanks to Solihull MBC colleagues: Lisa Cleaver, Clare Rudge and Harun Kennedy for funding the programme via the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Should this type of event run elsewhere? Let’s chat! I’d be delighted to curate and produce something like this symposium in your setting or place!
Email: hello@amydaltonhardy.co.uk