19th June (Day 2)

As with my first day, I set off to what will probably become known as the ‘usual routine’.

My first task for the day was to deliver the Creative Republic flyers for the Networking Event on Thursday 26th June at Concrete (the Big Peg) to all floors of the Big Peg excluding 6. (Usually I would have loved the exercise, but I had chosen Wednesday night as my “come back” to running – not a good idea!) This did however provide the ideal opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the place, and it was quite interesting to see the range of businesses…everyone I saw on my travels were very friendly.

When I had finished Helga was in a meeting, but since we last spoke I had been thinking over the week about the opportunity to develop Creative Republic in Stoke, so I suggested I begin to plan.

A little context for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire:
‘Driving in to Staffordshire from any direction you are greeted by the signs –“You are now entering Staffordshire – The Creative County”.

What it says on the sign is not what is being perceived by the wider public. In an article by Mark Jayne, Culture that Works? Creative industries development in a working-class city”, he describes how the decline of the pottery industry and manufacturing has had great impact on the economy and morale of the city.

Following Mark Jayne’s document Stoke-on-Trent City Council produced their cultural policy document, ‘Culture that Works’ for 2003 -2008. This document identifies their aims, mission, existing assets and opportunities for development. In line with national policy they identify the link between the creative industries, regeneration and the economy.

Staffordshire is comprised of a number of districts Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, South Staffordshire, the Borough of Stafford, Staffordshire Moorlands, Tamworth and North Staffordshire.

Stoke-on-Trent then has six towns, which creates an interesting dynamic within the city, Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley (City Centre), Stoke, Fenton, Longton. Therefore, activity is not concentrated in the city centre.

Creative Republic will provide a meeting place to where all creative and cultural industries within the city and wider region can meet, discuss, create relationships and break-out of isolated activity.’ Me -19/06/08

Once I compiled my plan (a gantt chart), I began to research all existing Creative & Cultural Networks, Events and other activity in the area. I made contact with the Cultural Development Team at Stoke-on-Trent City Council and other organisations to get the ball rolling.

During the day I had sat in on a meeting with Helga and Nigel (CEO) from Audiences Central and this provided me with all the background information I needed and will need to go forward. I personally think you can understand a business and project better through knowledge of the process so far…

Another programme that Fierce Earth run is Metapod.

Metapod is training and development for those starting a creative business or those looking to move in a new direction. It has been held all over the West Midlands and I was very fortunate to be member of the first group in Stoke-on-Trent to participate.

The Metapod website is currently under construction and I will be involved with sourcing content so… watch this space.