Creatives Network

The Creatives Network is a networking event for people of all creative backgrounds to come together, mainly aimed at small grassroots organisations and individuals, to network and get to know each other, to create collaboration from being in the same space. Through the network, we aim to find out what creative people truly need and want in Plymouth. 

The Creatives Network is funded by Plymouth Octopus Project and Plymouth Culture. It has been a collaboration between WonderZoo, QueerOutLoud, Down Stage Write, and looking to work this year (2026) with Mindful Art Club. Following on from the feedback from our events and public engagements, we are applying for funding from Arts Council England to fund a year's worth of Writers Development workshops and events and to develop the project.   

 

We have three Creatives Writers Networking events happening in 2026 this year. 

 

 

Plymouth Central Library -The Scott Room, August 22nd 

 

A big shoutout to Harula Ladd for her wonderful talk just inspiring — she’s the founder of The Poetry Well in Totnes. The Poetry Well is such a special place — a dedicated poetry bookshop and creative hub that hosts readings, talks, and creative workshops.

​

Our event was packed with creative people, and we’re already looking forward to the next one at Read Write Yap Festival at William Yard in September and end of year event to take place in December. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little bit of our back History ......


Plymouth Central Library - 13th December 2025

​

The last year has been nothing short of inspiring for Plymouth Creatives Network. The events across the city — from performances at The Plot, KARST, Green Space, Plymouth Play Scrapstore, and Plymouth University — have showcased the incredible talent within our community. Each event has brought people together, fostering collaboration and dialogue across different artistic disciplines.

 

The recent event at Plymouth Central Library in December 2026 was a perfect culmination of over a years worth of networking. It was a vibrant, engaging space where writers, performers, and audience members shared stories, poems, and ideas.

 

The performances by R.C. Thomas (Plymouth's new Laureate of Words) and Issy Powell (Plymouth's new Young City Laureate) were truly moving, demonstrating the power of words to connect and inspire. Issy’s debut performance was a highlight, marking an exciting new chapter in her artistic journey. R.C. Thomas’s work consistently reminds us of the importance of community-focused storytelling, giving voice to diverse experiences in Plymouth.

 

We also had inspiring speaker Helen Chaloner, Head of Plymouth’s Literature Works, a charity in South West England dedicated to using words and stories to support creativity, wellbeing, and community connection. Helen shared her insights on how literature can break down barriers and nurture talent across the region.

 

The event also highlighted the importance of building a supportive environment for writers and storytellers, and we’re proud to be part of that movement. The support from Jon Nash Down Stage Write, Slain and Chi from WonderZoo alongside funding and support from Plymouth Culture, and the Pop Octopus Project has been instrumental in turning these visions into reality.

 

Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our efforts, nurturing talent, and making Plymouth a hub for creative expression and collaboration.

 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making these events successful — the future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next in developing a writing network for Plymouth. We will keep our community updated on the ACE bid for 2027. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​