About us
Somerset has a long history of being really creative; we have our jaw dropping illuminated carnivals, our hundreds of really buzzing festivals and a computer games, digital media and music scene that you have to experience to believe.
But people are not always sure what to do with all their creative energy. Networking, finding new business, promoting your ideas or having a space that allows your creations to germinate and grow are on many lists.
So – we here you cry – why are we here and what do we do????
Well Create Somerset – the Somerset Creative Industry Network – aims to support the development of the creative industries in our fine county of Somerset and make new links beyond.
Our main aim is to:
- Support collaboration, innovation, imagination and networking across the creative sectors found in Somerset – to start you off we think some of these include …
Arts and Antique markets, Advertising, Architecture, Boat Building , Computer Gaming, Crafts, Ceramics, All types of Events management, Illuminated Carnivals, All areas of Design, Fashion and Textiles, Festivals. Furniture Making, Film Video TV and Digital / New Media, Printing, Marketing and Publicity, all forms of Music and associated Industries, Sculpting, Stone Masonry and Carving, Software Development, the Visual and Performing arts, Publishing, Radio (both community and commercial), Black Smith and other forms of Creative Metal Work and the Written Word
If you think of any more please tell us !
- Help give impartial, straightforward advice and guidance to anyone in Somerset who either: wants to go into a creative sector, has an idea but isn’t sure what to do next or who is already in business and wants someone to talk to
- Signpost members to business support and funding opportunities
- Help raise the profile of the sector as a whole to local businesses and organisations so that they will automatically consider Somerset based creative businesses when sourcing supplies
- Create more opportunities for inter-trading by raising awareness of resources, talent and services available locally
- Support graduates and existing students find business contacts, networks or other opportunities within Somerset.
- Ensure we make links to other networks, groups and organisations who work in the same areas within Somerset and also further afield
So how does this all work?
This network is for creative people in Somerset, be it businesses, individuals or groups. It’s free for anyone to join, no matter what you age or skill. Our aim is to connect, inspire and facilitate in ways that help you move forward.
We intend to do this by….
Hosting this blog; which is our way of getting important information out there. Our contributors are people who have shown considerable skill and knowledge in the creative sector. Covering many subjects they will be blogging regularly so keep calling back. If you feel you can add to this get in touch.
If you are into film we have a channel on YouTube and Vimeo – screening some top-notch media from around the county, and linking with our friends in the Somerset Film and Media Hub – Somerset’s main film and digital media network.
Music lover? Well have a look at our MySpace pages for the latest on Somerset’s music scene. This site is linked to the Somerset Music Hub a support network for anyone with a passion for the industry.
If photography is your love then our Flicker site will let you showcase your work. We will be running regular showcases so your work will get seen, and we will do our best to link up the many photography clubs across the county.
If you are involved in any type of creative business then our main networking sites are our Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Here you can meet and network with like-minded people not just within Somerset but from all over. Don’t be shy as you never know who you may meet !
And if that isn’t enough our Skype channel will be available shortly for on-line networking events and help further business to business networking.
The Somerset Creative Hubs is also part of all this, see the related section on our blog for more information.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us, either through any of our sites or by email on createsomerset@gmail.com
