3 Reasons I Started Hosting Artists Meet Ups
In May 2024, I had the idea to start hosting meet ups for artists, creatives and makers locally.
Nothing fancy. No speakers, agenda or awkward elevator pitches.
I could visualise everyone around a big table with homemade refreshments, where the conversation, exchange of stories and experiences flowed.
We would meet up to be part of a community to inspire, encourage and champion one another.
A romantic idea, maybe?
However, the life and journey of an artist can sometimes be isolating. With hours spent in the studio on your own, I felt compelled to try and make it happen.
Nearly a year later and here are the three reasons why I embarked on this journey.
1. To foster real life connections and meet local artists
My reason for starting the Artists Meet Ups was to foster real life connections and to meet local artists.
I wanted to meet up with those whom I’d long been connected with in the digital space. I also wanted to reach local artists I didn’t know existed.
When I first had the idea of starting the meet ups, I didn’t fully appreciate the value of putting a date in the diary to get out and connect with others. Nearly a year on I’m glad I took that step to make the idea a reality. I can now appreciate how important it is for my own well-being and I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling this way.
2. To encourage and support each other’s creative endeavours
I wanted to create an opportunity for like-minded individuals to meet, exchange ideas, and support each other’s creative endeavours.
Bringing together artists from different disciplines, backgrounds, and experiences, with no formal agenda, only open discussion over a hot drink has been enlightening.
Conversations can often spark creative breakthroughs, offer different perspectives or learnings, meaning folk leave feeling inspired and energised.
Together, I hope we can continue to inspire, support, and elevate each other in our artistic journeys through these meet ups.
3. To inspire others to consider starting their own meet ups
My aspiration is to inspire others to start up their own Artists Meet Ups local to them.
I’m naturally an introvert and can find social meetings, especially with people I don’t know, a little anxiety inducing.
However, supporting, encouraging and nurturing others is something I find hugely rewarding, and the benefits of bringing artists together at these meet ups, far outweighs the nerves I can sometimes feel.
I know from experience now how beneficial the meets ups are, as a space to share the challenges and to celebrate successes with others. Along with the accountability to get out the studio and connect in real life. For the price of a cup of tea in a local café, it is priceless.
So, if this sounds like something you have considered doing, I wholeheartedly recommend you try it.
Find a local venue, I host at a local farm shop café. You could host at home, in your studio space or find a café. Reach out to others through social media and spread the word. I’m sure you will find others just like you who would like to feel part of a community and want to join you.
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Hosting the Artists Meet Ups has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Whether you are an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, I invite you to join us and be a part of a growing community in Wiltshire. You can find all the details here. You can also sign up to my mailing list to hear about when the Meet Ups are planned for.
If this has inspired you to consider creating a Meet Up local to you, go for it! If you need any support or advice in setting it up, please feel free to get in touch, I’d be happy to help.
Category: Artist Life