Creative networking in Exeter

[Michael Krage]

I am talking to the Exeter Phoenix about the possibility of setting up a monthly social/networking event for graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, exhibition designers etc.
Its really an excuse for a beer and to meet other creatives in Exeter and the surrounding area.
There is potential for talks etc from invited speakers.
Do let me know if you are interested in attending. Be good to know numbers so that i can book appropriate sized space. Dates to be confirmed. There would be a small charge to cover room hire (its about £13.50 ph) If there is enough interest i will set up a Ning social network.
Working title is er.. Creative Exeter. All ideas, thoughts and input welcome.
best Mike

[Will Stahl]

Sounds good to me! Happy to meet up, even if it's only on an informal basis for a drink and a chat to start with. Good initiative, let me know what I can do to help.

Will.

[Michael Krage]

Thanks Will. It would be informal and just a chance for people to meet and socialise. Just spread the word I am just testing the water for expressions of interest before I set this up
best Mike

[Deface Graphics]

Sounds like a good idea... and likewise... how can I help?
Besides how can I refuse a good excuse for a beer ;)

[Michael Krage]

Thanks Phil, the bar serves Otter so there is no excuse! I think the first meeting will be end of August and have guest speaker and a debate on what we want from Creative Exeter oh any improvement on the name?
I will put up a new post shortly.

[Ali West]

hey mike
not sure if i'm arty farty enough for your club ;o) but have forwarded to a rather good photographer friend of mine. and she likes a drink or two too. I could come and be the computer nerd at the back :o)

[Tim Burley]

Sounds like a great idea. Why not make it part of Designed in Devon?

The more fragmented all this stuff is, the harder it is for people to get a handle on it all. Designed in Devon was started by some Devon-based creatives who wanted to build a network for peers to share, socialise, learn and promote. Not sure what's different about this?

[Michael Krage]

Hi Tim, Kathryn and Ann, making it part of Designed in Devon makes complete sense to me. The general reaction so far is positive. What do people want from this group? Format for meetings?

I have a date booked with The Phoenix for a first meeting at end of August and speaker lined up (TBC).
This is rough press release (not released yet) all input/suggestions welcome.


ROUGH PRESS RELEASE
We are setting up an informal social networking group for Designers, Illustrators, Photographers and all interested creatives in Exeter.

We hope the Designed in Devon Exeter group(?) will provide a forum to put people with an interest in design in touch with one another, share advice, information and examples of good practice.

The first meeting will be on (TBC) in the bar of The Exeter Phoenix Arts and Media Centre, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS. http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

At 7.30pm we will move to The Black Box Studio which is situated in the Media Centre. The meeting will finish at 9.30pm with time to socialise in the bar afterwards. Numbers are limited to 40.

NOTE TBC
We are pleased to announce our first guest speaker is the contemporary ceramic designer TAVS JORGENSEN.
Tavs website: http://www.oktavius.co.uk

Tavs has been running his own design consultancy since 1995. Throughout this period he has been closely associated with Dartington Pottery, operating as the pottery’s main shape designer.
Tavs continues to work as an independent designer and researcher, frequently guest lecturing at international universities and colleges (including the Royal College of Art). Throughout a twenty-year career he has been involved with numerous projects in many diverse areas of ceramics and design, lately focusing on research into the use of information technology based creative tools.

link to Designed in Devon

[Tim Burley]

Sounds like a great addition Michael. We're just waiting for our new website to go live (very soon), so we can add it to the calendar and start spreading the word. We can keep the Ning site going for its social networking functions, but the new site will make it easier to promote stuff like this, as well as including a member's database of all the creative businesses in the county.

[Phil Pell]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the heads up yesterday. Look forward to hearing more details in due course.
Phil

[Kathryn Hughes]

Hey, Mike.
Like your idea. Very much the same thinking that led to 'Designed in Devon'! Perhaps we could find a way to join forces?
Kathryn

[Ann Holman]

Hi Mike

Apologies for the delay in replying! Be more than happy to get involved although keen that its just not another network and that it adds value.

Ann

[Michael Krage]

You are invited to the Designed in Devon Exeter group.
The first meeting will be on Friday 28th August 2009 7.00-9.30pm.

Meet in the bar of The Exeter Phoenix Arts and Media Centre, Bradninch Place,
Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS. http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

At 7.30pm we will move to The Black Box Studio which is situated in the Media Centre.
The meeting will finish at 9.30pm with time to socialise in the bar afterwards. Numbers are limited to 40.

The guest speaker is the contemporary ceramic designer & research fellow Tavs Jorgensen.
Tavs website: http://www.oktavius.co.uk

Contact: Mike Krage 01392 204888 [e-mail]
Bob Marshall - [e-mail]