Creatives Network 25/09: Town Centre Funding Available

The government has announced a grant of £52,000 to Dudley Council to try and open up empty premises in High Streets.  Rupert Dugdale’s presentation covered the background and context of the initiative and, although early days, set out Dudley’s approach to the scheme and asked for suggestions and comments on how the funding could be best utilised. Rupert Dugdale Presentation (ppt, 81mb)

Creatives Nework 25/09: Business Link Opportunities

Business Link’s Sector Development Director for Creative Cultural and Digital enterprises, Lara Ratnaraja set out her role – advising and linking creative industries to regional and national strategies.  A range of potential business opportunities, events and very useful contacts were given during her presentation. Lara Ratnaraja Presentation (ppt, 4.6mb)

Creatives Network 25/09: Cultural Strategy Consultation

Duncan Lowndes is coordinating the revision of Dudley Borough’s Cultural Strategy.  This is a key strategic document which will help determine where organisations choose to direct their resources.  Duncan commented that the existing strategy is very council centric and he hoped that the revised document will be much more inclusive and include sections on the role of creativity in the local economy. Duncan Lowndes Presentation (ppt, 126k)

Creatives Network 25/09: Pamela Smith – growing business

Pamela Smith runs her own business, Sited and is a horticulturist who creates walks, pamphlets, talks and promotes community engagement through observation of nature in the urban environment.  She has been granted lottery funds through the University of Birmingham to develop a walk in the Brierley Hill area.  In her presentation Pam talked about her work and gave her practical tips for anyone setting up their own creative enterprise. Pamela Smith Presentation (PPT, 29mb)