Getting connected as a creative person in Cardiff
Recently moved to Cardiff? The city has a thriving creative community and there are many ways to start getting connected.
Meeting people and networking in a new city can be tough. Creatives shouldn’t worry too much in Cardiff however. Those moving here should know it has a vibrant creative community with lots of active groups around the city and opportunities to get involved in. Here are a few ways to start finding creative opportunities and networking in the Welsh capital.
Social:
Facebook groups are an easy way to meet people with the same interests as you. In Cardiff, there are many creative groups to get involved in. These range from more professional groups to network in or groups for people starting a new hobby. Here are a few examples:
(Information valid on 3rd January 2023).
· Cardiff Arts Collective
Number of members: 3.3k
“A group for creative people living within and around the City walls of Cardiff.” The group regularly posts about exhibitions and opportunities for artists in Cardiff.
· Creative Network of South Wales
Number of members: 6k members
This is a large group that shares information about upcoming creative events. Examples include events for female creators, photography clubs and poetry book awards. Members of the group also post about opportunities for creatives in the Cardiff area.
· Cardiff Musicians
Number of members: 5.7k members
In this group, musicians share information about their shows and events. Members also share opportunities for musicians in the area. Additionally, they post music that they think will appeal to others in the group.
· Cardiff Start – Cardiff’s creative, digital and tech startups
Number of members: 4.3k members
This group shares information for those involved or interested in startups. Key topics discussed in the group include resources, funding, learning and research. This group posts about opportunities for people in tech, creative and digital fields as well as information about social events for professionals living in Cardiff.
· It’s My Shout Creative Connections
Number of members: 644 members
This group describes itself as “a group for people interested in the creative industry in Cardiff and Bridgend.” Their aims are to bring together the creative community in Cardiff in collaboration, communication and creation. The group is described as “a platform to learn new skills and engage with mentors who are industry professionals.”
Link: https://m.facebook.com/groups/imscreativeconnections/discussion/preview/
· Spoken Word Cardiff
Number of members: 282 members
This group posts about events regarding spoken word in Cardiff. The group regularly posts about poetry events and opportunities in the area.
Facebook groups are a great way to meet new people if you are in a city you have never lived in before. For professionals, going to organised events and networking groups will help you meet others and network successfully.
For those looking to pursue a hobby, volunteering is also a great opportunity to meet people and help the local community. Opportunities like this will be published in local Facebook groups for your area and also some of the bigger creative Facebook groups within the list above.
Funding:
Additionally, there are many ways to find funding for your creative projects in Wales.
A range of support schemes and funds can be found on the Creative Cardiff website. Support schemes from Arts Council of Wales, Business Wales and UK Government Support are a few examples of what is available. For Cardiff’ is another organisation that has funded creative projects in Cardiff and is worth looking into. In light of financial uncertainty during the cost-of-living crisis, exploring opportunities for additional funding is valuable to all creatives in the area.
Networking and job opportunities:
A platform that is more specifically for digital designers and creatives is Dribbble. Animators, branding designers, illustrators, web designers, product designers and digital designers can use the site. It is used widely by creatives in Cardiff and is a way to share your portfolio, discover other designers and connect with others. Dribbble also promotes job opportunities in the local area.
Of course, LinkedIn is a great way to get your name out there too. Updating your ‘About’ section and introducing yourself to the digital world can help promote yourself to potential employers and network with new people in your industry.