New online platform to connect and showcase Salford’s creative community

An online hub built to support, celebrate and connect Salford’s thriving cultural sector is set to launch this October.

‘Salford creatives’ will make it easier for creative communities to discover opportunities, build networks and showcase local talent. The first-of-its-kind resource is set to launch on Thu 1 Oct.

Developed by the Salford Culture and Place Partnership (SCPP), supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the platform will provide practical tools and opportunities to help artists, freelancers, makers, organisations and cultural leaders develop their work, reach new audiences and support long-term growth across the sector. 

Helpful features will include a creative directory, opportunities board, resources hub and sector news, all housed in one accessible space. The platform itself has been developed directly in collaboration with Salford’s creative community through interviews, workshops, surveys and creative activities.

Credit: Creative Concern

Join the Salford Creatives launch event

A free launch event will be taking place on Thu 1 Oct, from 6pm – 9pm at New Bailey Archway in Salford. The evening will bring together creatives, cultural organisations, partners and supporters from across the city.

Coinciding with National Poetry Day, Matt Concannon, AKA The Thirsty Poet, will perform alongside DJ SOPHIA; local favourites Deli Llama will serve delicious vegan bites, while Salford Rum will be on hand with drinks, and GRIT studios will be joining for live painting, inviting attendees to join in and get hands-on. There’ll even be some special Salford creatives giveaways for those who get down early.

You can reserve your free spot at the Salford creatives launch here. 

Credit: Joe Smith

Speaking about the new platform, Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith said: “This resource is a wonderful addition to the creative sector in the city and I’m thrilled that it is launching. It will be a real, practical hub for individuals, creative communities and growing businesses, with information and support to help them to flourish, as well as being a fantastic shop window to showcase their talents to the world. It’s the next step in supporting current and future generations of creative talents in Salford to thrive.”

Credit: Sam Parker

Dan Jarvis, Senior Relationship Manager at Arts Council England, added: “Salford is home to a thriving and ambitious creative community, and Salford creatives is a fantastic new online resource for the city. By helping creatives connect, collaborate, develop their skills and access new opportunities, the platform will strengthen Salford’s creative ecology and support the next generation of creative talent to thrive. Arts Council England is proud to have invested £749,600 in Salford through our National Lottery funded Place Partnership programme, reflecting our commitment to working with places to strengthen creative networks, support local creativity and help communities and cultural ecosystems flourish.”

You can read more about the new Salford creatives platform here. Book your tickets to the launch event on Thu 1 Oct below.

Featured image credit: Creative Concern