Curious Creatives Network

Our network is founded on the principles of challenging who gets to make, consume and lead arts and culture. We actively champion diverse excellence in the arts and culture sector.

This is your opportunity to build enriching relationships, share knowledge, and gain practical advice from grassroots organisations to established institutions. Whether you’re looking to learn how to pitch your work, hear from industry leaders, or connect with commissioners, there’s a space for you at the table!

Past speakers have included incredible voices from organisations like 20 Stories High, Factory International, Anti-Racism Cumbria, Collective Encounters, and Diane Morgan. With topics ranging from trauma-informed practices to empowering youth, we want each session promises to inspire, inform, and spark new ideas.

What's on offer?

As a network member, you’ll gain access to:

• Monthly Online Networking Events
  With two inspiring speakers and one dedicated networking session each season.

• Continual Professional Development (CPD)
  Expand your knowledge and skills through our curated programme.

• Conversation Platform
  Launching soon to keep the connections alive between events.

Who is this network for?

We’re a national network rooted in the North, run by NPO Curious Minds.

Perhaps you are:

• A freelance artist or creative, with a practice focused on working with people and communities
• A salaried member of staff at an arts organisation that works with freelancers
• A member of staff at a school curious about working with the creative sector

We know that creative types often have lots of strings to their bow, and we don’t want put boundaries or labels on artistic practice. If you care about creativity, we want to hear from you.

Supporting freelancers, the lifeblood of our sector

We believe in the power of networks, where members are each other’s greatest resource. For freelance creatives, this is especially true. We wanted to provide freelancers with an opportunity to hear directly from people working in organisations who commission and hire creatives. You’ll also get to hear from experienced freelancers who have cultivated strong relationships with arts orgs and charities across the UK.