Programmes
Creative networks
Creative and Cultural networks matter. They help to grow and sustain the cultural sector in our city, to represent cultural ambitions and to provide powerful cohesion among artists, creatives, and projects.
In a sector where the sustainability of networks is challenging owing to the maintaining of these primarily falling on the shoulders of small teams and volunteers, we work to partner with different networks to support specific goals.
We support networks with their professional development needs and to broaden opportunities for cross-network collaboration, with intention of supporting the whole to work systemically together. We currently hold partnership agreements with the following networks;
CAMP
Artform: Visual arts/Contemporary arts
CAMP is a member-led network for artists, curators, arts writers and creative producers based in Devon and Cornwall.
The network is incorporated as a CIC, and is directed by a team of 7 member-directors who serve 18-24 months each before stepping down to allow other members to step into the roles. The work of the organisation is done by the Working Groups, which any member may join.
CAMP provide professional development opportunities such as residencies, mentoring, coaching, exhibition opportunities, workshops, talks, social events, Go and See bursaries. With 160 members, CAMP are also a major source of peer to peer networking, collaboration, socialising and support.
Contact: info@camp-plymouth.org
Website: camp-plymouth.org
SOUTH WEST ACTORS NETWORK
Artform: Theatre & Performance
The network connects actors across the South West Peninsula by offering continued professional development and authentic, meaningful networking opportunities.
Inspired by conversations with a number of actors feeling isolated and disconnected in the region, in 2020, The Wheel launched the South West Actors Network; to build connections between individuals, organisations and acting communities across the South West of England. It’s a low-cost subscription service which offers actors opportunities for continuing professional development, creative networking and a sense of being part of a larger community. For employers they offer a free and easy one stop shop service to access the network of professional actors living in the South West Peninsula.
Contact: info@thewheel.org.uk
Website: www.thewheel.org.uk/the-south-west-actor-network
VISUAL ARTS PLYMOUTH (Plymouth Art Weekender)
Discipline/Field: Visual Arts
Visual Arts Plymouth (VAP) CIC, is an organisation of independent artists and arts professionals from a range of visual arts & culture organisations across the city, who work together to connect grassroots activity with a larger city-wide cultural plan and vision.
Art Weekender is just one of the city wide events produced by VAP and provides an important platform for artists and a showcase for culture in the city.
Contact: plymouthartweekender@gmail.com
Website: plymouthartweekender.com
PLYMOUTH MUSIC CIC
Discipline/Field: Music
Plymouth Music is an emerging network for the music sector in Plymouth. Established in collaboration with Plymouth Culture the network is managed by four music ambassadors and is focused on delivering the Music City Action Plan.
The network has an ambition to support and develop the sector through a number of initiatives including artists days, industry days, city-wide festivals and collaborations with national partners. They host a quarterly music forum open to anyone involved in the music sector in Plymouth including artists, promoters, technicians and venue owners.
Contact: jeremy@plymouthculture.co.uk
Contact: grace@plymouthculture.co.uk
CREATIVE NETWORK PLYMOUTH
Artform: All/Multi-disciplinary
Creative Network Plymouth is an emerging network funded initially by POP and Plymouth Culture. WonderZoo is in a supporting role to Down Stage Write and QueerOut and, to help establish the network. The aim is to bring in new voices that have not been represented before, including minoritized groups and protected characteristics.
Creative Network Plymouth is a networking hub of creatives/artists in the city of Plymouth across all art and creative forms. It is a place for creatives to meet people of many different creative practices, allowing new and interesting collaborations to form through bi-monthly meet-ups. The aim is to help build the creative community in the city, making it easy to find, access and join.
Contact: wonderzooarts@gmail.com
Website: www.wonderzoo.org