Creative Workshops: Let’s start talking ideas!
- Thu 15 May 2025
- 09:30
- 11:30
- St Michael’s Community Centre, Sunderland
- Free
If you’re creative and curious about how to make money doing what you love... this event series is for you.
Whether you’re dreaming of starting something new, want to explore a creative side hustle, or simply need some direction for your ideas, these fun, informal workshops are your chance to find your people, find your path, and find the confidence to take the next step.
What to expect
Creative Workshops are a relaxed, in-person space.
You don’t need a business plan. You don’t even need a business idea.
You just need a talent, a passion, or something you’re good at – and a desire to do something more with it.
- Explore self-employment without pressure
- Learn the real business basics in a fun, creative way
- Meet other local creatives at all stages of their journey
- Ask questions (or just listen)
- Hear from people who’ve done it before
- Get plugged into Sunderland’s growing creative ecosystem
Meet the speakers
Real stories from real creatives. No fluff, no textbook advice – just honest conversations about what it takes to turn your talent into a living. Hear from others who’ve lived the journey and who’ll share the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way.
Frank Styles
Fine Artist
From large-scale street art to small abstract pieces, Frank brings spray cans, stories, and a dose of real-world experience to the table.
Penella Bee
Performer
Circus, dance, fire and narrative magic – Penella turns her passions into performances that wow crowds and sustain a creative career.
Helen Wardropper
Creative Business Adviser
Helen gets it. She’s walked the walk as a caricature artist and now helps others to turn their creative dreams into business reality.
What you’ll learn
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to turn your creativity into something more, this session is for you. We’ll help you explore the possibilities and get answers to questions like:
- Is self-employment right for me?
- How can I turn an idea into something real?
- Where can I get help, advice, funding, or new connections?
- What support is out there for creatives like me?
- How do others make money from their passions?
- Who can I collaborate with?
This is also your gateway to everything else the BIC offers to help businesses get off the ground and grow. That includes one-to-one support, on-demand learning, mentoring, further workshops, Growth Lab events, introductions to useful connections, and more. Just dip into what’s right for you.
Who it’s for
This workshop is perfect for you if:
- You live in the Sunderland Local Authority area
- You’re thinking about a business, side hustle or creative project
- You like learning in a hands-on, creative, and informal setting
- You want to meet like-minded creatives and collaborators
Feeling nervous?
You’re not alone. We know it can be daunting to walk into something new.
That’s why our community workshops are small, welcoming, and designed to be judgement free. No pressure. No business jargon. Just people helping people.
Still unsure?
Click here to email Helen – she’ll walk you through what to expect and help you feel ready.
What we are (and what we’re not)
The North East BIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise that’s helped thousands of people just like you to start their own successful businesses since 1994. Helen explains what to expect from our business advisers here.
What we are
- A support network for creatives
- Practical, down-to-earth help for free
- Working for the good of our communities
- Focused on your goals – personal and professional
What we’re not
- A formal business school
- Teachers with checklists
- Suited and booted
- Here to sell you anything or to pressure you into starting a business
Creative business? What does that even mean?
If you…
- Make things
- Perform or entertain
- Write, draw, film, photograph, or craft
- Or even if you just love thinking and learning creatively
…then you’re in the right place. Creativity comes in many forms – and we’re here for all of them.
Can’t make the date?
No worries! This is part of a series of Creative Workshops happening across Sunderland – check out the others. Prefer to learn online? Our Flying Start Workshops and Smarta eLearning might be what you’re looking for. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the format that fits.
Book your place
Thursday 15th 2025, 09:30-11:30
St Michael’s Community Centre, Stannington Grove, Hill View, Sunderland SR2 9JT
Places are limited – register at least 48 hours in advance to secure your spot.