Creative Midlands East

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 03:38 AM PDT

Here's the next installment of our series of guest blogs from Sue Bulmer.

Creative Twinning is all about creating opportunities, sharing a passion for sustainable products and promoting good design here in the East Midlands.

Earlier this year the Creative Twinning Partnership- Nottingham designers Debbie Bryan, Jayne Childs and Hannah Lobley- invited applications from designers and makers in the East Midlands to join them in events and opportunities that would promote and sell their work, highlight the creative industries and create working relationships locally and internationally. They were looking for like minded designers who share their enthusiasm and show commitment to this philosophy, who want to enhance, grow and highlight Nottingham and East Midland designer/makers.

I thought this seemed like too good an opportunity to miss so I applied and have been accepted to be part of this project and I'm blogging about the whole experience to highlight to other creatives the benefits and power of collaboration. I wanted to find out a little bit more about the whole project so I asked Debbie, Hannah and Jayne a few questions, and this is what they had to say….

Me: So how did you all manage to secure support for your venture?
CT: For our first trip to Eunique in Karlsruhe we were successful in securing Arts Council Lottery funding which helped us produce more marketing and stand material for the show. Future Factory part of Nottingham Trent University helped to support our exchange visit from 3 Karlsruhe designers in October 2011, with events held in the Paul Smith Room at the Broadway in Nottingham and an exhibition at the Lace Market Gallery. In May 2012 Design Factory became an enthusiastic supporter of our philosophy and European showcases and provided a bursary for the 9 Creative Twinning Designers to exhibit at Eunique.

Me: So do you feel as though you are fulfilling what you set out to do?
CT: That and so much more, the interest in what began as a small project has snowballed as other organisations have understood and supported what we are trying to achieve. Design Factory, South Nottingham College- Creative Twinning designers will be mentoring students (the next generation of creatives) in a year long project in how to build and sustain a creative business, Future Factory – Nottingham Trent University, Designer Forum, Designer Resolutions, Antenna, Nottingham City Council & Invest in Nottingham, Karlsruhe City Council and Eunique are all part of the network of connections we have formed.

Me: What is your vision of Creative Twinning for the future?
CT: World Domination!!! We will be returning with more East Midland designers to Eunique in June 2013. We have plans for new cities to 'Twin with' in the pipeline, but that is to be unveiled when we have more information. Watch this space…!

Look out for Creative Twinning events this week! For details see their website.

Creative Midlands

Creative Midlands East

Creative Midlands East

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