Creative Partnerships Conference 2025 Programme
Scotland’s Premier Networking & Professional Development Platform for Black Creatives in the Performing Arts, Screen, and Cultural Events Sectors.
Date: 21 February 2025
Location: Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Ln, Glasgow G11 6E
PROGRAMME
10:30-11:15
Welcome & Industry Pitches
The Welcome & Industry Pitches session at the start of the conference is your chance to discover exciting opportunities, resources, and industry insights from key players supporting creative professionals like you.
In just a few minutes each, our sponsors and partners will share how they can help you thrive—from training and funding to industry connections and career development.
Who’s Pitching?
BECTU Vision – A skills hub supporting film and television freelancers by providing training and industry development initiatives to make Scotland’s productions safer, fairer, and greener. BECTU Vision is funded by Screen Scotland, BFI, BBC, and Scottish Union Learning, in partnership with BECTU.
NFTS Scotland – delivers a wide range of the National Film and Television School’s world-class training courses from their base in Scotland. In addition, they also run the Sean Connery Talent Lab which is currently recruiting for its second cohort.
Musicians’ Union – is the UK trade union for all musicians, representing over 35,000 musicians across the UK working in all sectors of the music business. As well as negotiating on behalf of members with all the major employers in the industry, they offer a range of support services for musicians.
The List – is a multi-award-winning free arts, culture and events magazine that has been helping Glasgow and Edinburgh residents ‘get a life’ since 1985 and offers the UK’s largest events website. After nearly closing its doors in 2020 due to the pandemic, the magazine fully relaunched in March 2022 under the newly formed List Publishing Ltd, thanks to new investment and a successful crowdfunding campaign. It continues to grow its events arm with ListLive, The List Festival Awards and the award-nominated List Festival Party and Hot 100 events.
UP2STNDRD – is a Production House that amplifies emerging talent through innovative media platforms and immersive development programmes. Held in their Recording Studio, their “Be The Standard” writing camp series connects artists across local and international scenes, driving creative collaboration and professional growth.
Money MatiX – MoneyMatiX is a purpose-driven company dedicated to improving people’s financial literacy, inclusion, and well-being. Their personalised money coaching and financial education programmes are designed to help you take control, build better money habits, and create lasting financial stability.
James McCune Smith PhD Scholarship Programme – the James McCune Smith Scholarships fund Black UK domiciled students to undertake PhD research at the University of Glasgow in any research area in which they can offer supervision. The programme provides an enhanced experience through external mentors, placements, leadership training, community-building activities and networking opportunities.
11:15-11:45
Time to Connect
Creative practice thrives on connection, and this is your dedicated moment to engage, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborations. Take this time to meet fellow creatives and explore the exhibitor stalls hosted by our valued sponsors and partners.
11:45-12:45
Professional Development
Grant Mastery: Funding 101 with Emma Sithole
Dive into the world of funding with an interactive one-hour workshop, Grant Mastery: Funding 101. Tailored for beginners and those new to the funding landscape, this session will help you:
- Grasp the Basics of funding.
- Start to Plan Your Project.
- Boost Your Funding Chances.
This workshop is perfect for anyone ready to take the first steps toward funding success. It’s an excellent introduction to the sometimes ‘overwhelming and complex’ world of funding.
https://getcreativeconsultancy.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/ema.lush
Professional Development
So You Want To Be A Big Star? Skills for Success with Collin Hills
Ready to take your music career to the next level? Whether you’re an emerging artist or looking to refine your craft, this dynamic workshop is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge and confidence to thrive in the music industry.
We’ll be covering everything from building resilience and managing the ups and downs of the creative journey, to practical strategies like bringing new audiences to your gigs and finding exciting opportunities. Discover how to build a strong team around you, explore collaboration opportunities and unlock the secrets of PRS to make sure you’re getting paid what you deserve.
Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your skills, expand your network or simply stay inspired, this workshop is for you.
https://www.instagram.com/jazamacreations
Wellbeing
Everyday Mindfulness for Creatives with Natasha Iregbu
Explore ways to support your mental wellbeing through mindfulness practices and discussions. You’ll have the chance to reflect upon what looking after your mental wellbeing means to you and discover practical tools to support you to manage stress and feel grounded.
https://www.butterfly-minds.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/butterfly_minds_
12:45-13:45
Lunch
We are delighted to provide a delicious meal for all attendees, prepared by Soul Food Sisters!
Upon arrival, you will receive a food token, which you will use to collect your meal during the lunch break.
🌱 Vegan and Gluten-Free Meals: If you require a vegan or gluten-free meal, marked tokens will be available to guarantee you receive one.
⚠️ Allergen information: Full allergen details will be available at the info desk, so please check the details if you have any dietary concerns.
Enjoy your meal and the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees over great food!
13:45-14:40
Professional Development
Facing Financial Giants with Tynah Matembe
“Facing Financial Giants” is a transformative, hands-on workshop designed to empower participants to identify, confront, and overcome their most significant financial challenges. This engaging session demystifies intimidating money issues such as debt, budgeting, saving and investing by breaking them down into achievable, actionable goals. An interactive session where participants will uncover their personal “financial giants” and gain practical strategies to defeat them with fun activities in a supportive space to share insights, exchange ideas and build confidence. Attendees will also receive a financial roadmap, equipping them with clear steps to tackle their unique challenges. Participants will leave equipped as Financial Giant Slayers with a comprehensive plan to keep them on track long after the session ends.
https://www.instagram.com/moneymatix
Wellbeing
Keeping Yourself Well: Racial trauma and self-care with Ellie Muniandy
This workshop will explore how people of colour keep themselves mentally well. We will be exploring the topic of racial trauma, what does it mean, how does it manifest. We will go on to think about what can we do to support ourselves and each other, by taking a critical look at the concept of self care. This workshop will be reflective and discussion based, it is an opportunity to think about and chat with each other.
Click here to see Ellie Muniandy’s professional page.
13:45-14:40
Break
14:45-15:45
Professional Development
YOU’RE A BRAND, OWN IT! with Serena Piotto
Whether you are aware of it or not, you have a brand, we all do – and it is time to own it.
Being more conscious of your personal brand can help take you forward in your creative journey. In this session, we will look at the basics of branding and how you could be aligning your personal brand with your values and aspirations.
The aim of this session is to get you thinking about your digital footprint, and how your brand is reflecting who you are and where you want to be. How do you want your story to be shaped and how can you be in charge of it?
https://www.instagram.com/blueberrymeninskirts
Wellbeing
Resilience and Sustainable Creative Practices: Breaking Your Creative Ceiling with Monika Navickaitė
In this workshop, you’ll explore how to build the mental resilience and sustainable practices needed to thrive in the ever-evolving creative industries. This session is designed to help you identify and reflect on the internal barriers that may be holding you back as a creative.
Join a conversation focused on navigating and conquering creative fears, setting clear boundaries, and learning when to say yes and when to say no. You’ll gain actionable tools for prioritising your goals, aligning your values with your creative practice, and creating an environment—and mindset—that supports your long-term vision.
https://www.instagram.com/vaivorupyragas
Wellbeing
Listening with the Body with Ashanti Harris
Your body is an infinite archive of memory, experience and knowledge. This workshop is an invitation to explore and redefine our relationship to our bodies and the environments we move through.
You will be guided through a series of body awareness exercises, inviting you to tune in to the space around you by thinking about how your body feels as you are moving through it. You are encouraged to follow feeling rather than any kind of style or technique. There is no wrong way to do this. Your responses to each exercise are uniquely yours. We invite you to activate all of your senses, both internal and external, listening with your whole body.
Please wear clothes suitable for movement.
https://www.instagram.com/ashantisharda
16:00-17:00
Keynote Conversation
Q & A with Dr. Eunice Olumide MBE
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Eunice Olumide MBE as a Keynote Speaker at Creative Partnerships Conference 2025.
Born in Edinburgh and recognised as Scotland’s first Black supermodel, Eunice has graced global campaigns, top fashion weeks, and publications including Vogue, ELLE, and Harper’s Bazaar. Beyond fashion, she is a V&A Design Champion, sustainability activist, and DEI consultant, working with Livia Firth, Dame Vivienne Westwood, and Emma Thompson.
Awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting, charity, and the arts, she is the founder of Olumide Galleries and has curated over 30 exhibitions, as well as worked with esteemed auction houses including Christie’s, Bonhams, and the Tate Modern.
An esteemed public speaker, she has challenged and shaped the landscape of the United Kingdom, speaking at the Houses of Parliament and creating educational content for 20,000+ schools.
https://www.instagram.com/euniceolumide
Don’t miss the chance to hear Dr. Olumide’s inspiring insights on creativity and driving meaningful change in the creative industries!
