Oldham Creative Networks: Testing New Approaches
Prior to GM Arts’ SPIRIT funding, Oldham had a traditional creative network in place. By using the funding to contribute towards employing an officer, Oldham Council has been able to try different approaches, including an informal ‘nonnetwork’ network and a sector-specific network for music industry creatives.Context The creative sector is highlighted in Oldham’s current cultural strategy (2022-2030) to: ‘Strengthen and extend Oldham’s partnerships and collaborations with Greater Manchester’s creative people, producers and promoters as well as other regional and national organisations and networks.’
Nick Duke, a Development Officer in the Creativity and Culture team with a background in the music industry, leads all creative networks. Through conversations with musicians, promoters, and venues, Nick realised that their needs were distinct, so might benefit from a network of their own. Creatives expressed concerns about whether the music scene could survive outside Manchester’s centre, local venue closures, limited publicity, and a lack of networking opportunities.
Nick says,“We split the networks up a little bit because they’ve got their own unique challenges. We already have our creative industries network, which encompasses everyone from visual arts, performing arts, music, etc. And then we did an event about a year and a half ago with GMCA and the Greater Manchester Music Commission, and we figured out that we needed a music network as well. We're building these networks in conjunction with each other, but they are spearheading into different directions.”
The team also observed that Global Majority artists were not engaging, also potentially signalling a need for a different approach.
CREATIVE NETWORKS & ACCESS BURSARIES
What’s happening?
Early conversations within the local authority and at network meetings have begun to define goals for the network, and creatives are starting to engage. Recently, a couple from Hong Kong joined through an adult art class and expressed interest in volunteering. Like Tameside’s network, Nick uses free tickets to track participation, estimating about 1 in 5 registrants attend events.
“The conversations are enlightening. In our last meeting it was great to see someone with 40 years’ experience in the industry giving advice to a newcomer. The network is also becoming a valuable platform to communicate about commissions, bursaries, & grants.”
The intention is to make the network responsive to creatives’ needs, and there is much still to learn. “We want to create a frictionless support offer. We put up commissions for all of our outdoor events, and always start local.”
Oldham Council is focused on connecting creatives to opportunities.
One example is ‘Festival Oldham’, where the network helped program a full lineup of open air performances at the town hall. GM Spirit funding enabled budget for programming and proper payment for performers. “We had lots of great feedback that people stayed and listened to the music. They’d like us to do it every weekend! Seeing local artists, being paid properly to play their own, diverse, music.”
Nick emphasised the importance of ensuring creatives feel heard and valued. “I really wanted people to have a sense of ownership, to think, ‘actually, we are being listened to, and we do have a direct influence on what's going on.’”
What does success look like?
Success is being defined collaboratively with creatives. From a local authority perspective, Nick envisions the network as a recognized place where the council can offer services and connect across the borough. It is about building recognition, fostering open communication, and creating a well connected and funded network offering ample opportunities.
“Success is above all a happy, well connected, and funded network that has lots of opportunities that we can pass through.”
