Your reports Find reports Creating a network of artists to increase the power and influence of artists in Croydon Summary of discussion: We have partners/allies already that we could plug into in the form of Equity and the other entertainment unions. There are also existing networks: * Croydon Arts Network (who are currently finding it a challenge to keep the network going - they need more volunteers) * Just Croydon (which is broader than just the arts) * Get Out More Promotions (Fb page and website youneedto.co.uk which are a listings service) Do we need a new FB / Twitter account? We should reinvigorate the existing Croydon Arts Network, rather than reinventing the wheel by starting something new. And it should be interdisciplinary. What are the network goals? * getting the word out about our events * calling for support / skills swapping * uniting against Arts cuts * in person gatherings: monthly / 3 monthly? * liaising with businesses to sponsor arts in Croydon * creating a buzz about the arts in Croydon Meetings are key as it's important to meet in person, not just online. Purpose of meetings: * to promote our work * to look for work / collaborators * just to chat! (Our work can be very isolating) * to support specific campaigns Other ideas: * The network could potentially be influential in the larger picture (eg Fairfield Halls). * Could the network have a youth mentoring scheme? * It should be about Croydon growing it's own young talent. * It should also reignite and encourage older artists. * We should have a directory of venues, but more than this, it should be a hub of activity. Where? * We need a space to reclaim like The Hive in Hoxton. There are a lot of empty spaces in Croydon, a lot owned by the council. * Stanley Halls are trying to make better use of their space. Could they host network meetings? * Oval Tavern want to help create a network and would welcome an Artists' Network meeting. * We need to meet in different spaces, not just one, to promote and engage with different spaces and artists. Next steps and who is responsible: * Create a Croydon Artists' Network gmail account. (Sarah Finigan) * Create a database of artists from email addresses gathered at the D&D satellite. (SF) * Liaise with Esther Sutton from The Oval Tavern about hosting the 1st meeting. (SF) * Volunteer to become co-administrator of Croydon Arts Network Twitter account. (SF)