Software Cornwall is delighted to support our friends at TECgirls who are co-hosting the next TECwomen CONNECT event for International Women’s Day on 8th March from 5.30pm. Following the TECwomen CONNECT format, there will be a mix of networking, a panel discussion, and delicious food. Soft drinks will be provided and there will be a paid bar, open from 6pm.
This event forms part of a full week-long festival organised by Cultivator Cornwall, The University of Plymouth, SheProducer and TECgirls, supported by The Old Bakery in Truro. Full details can be found below.
The Old Bakery Studios in Truro will play host to a week-long festival of inspirational
screenings, exhibitions and workshops this March, showcasing the work of female artists in
Cornwall to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Change + Makers – running from 7-11 March, with International Women’s Day 2022 falling
on 8 March – will shine a light on women who are making an impact with their work and will
champion inclusion within Cornwall’s creative industry.
The event aims to increase the visibility of women, to encourage organic networks and
generate collaboration amongst artists in Cornwall and provide support and information to
female practitioners in the county.
The programme of events is organised by Cultivator Cornwall and the University of
Plymouth, partnering with SheProducer and TEC Women and supported by Old Bakery
Studios.
The rest of the week will feature a series of activities such as workshops, talks, discussions and
networking which feature Cultivator clients and delivery from Vick Bain, Arts Well and TEC
Women.
There will be evening film screening and music performance events – including a screening
of TAPE, the new film from Cornish artist Martha Tilston and a song circle event, featuring
music and conversation with songwriters Kelsey Michael, Angeline Morrison, Kezia and Hannah
Bullock.
Professor Chris Bennewith, Interim Executive Dean for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and
Business at the University of Plymouth, said: “The University of Plymouth has a long history
of supporting the cultural and creative industries across the region. We are working hard with
Cultivator to explore exciting opportunities that showcase the creative talent across the
region, supporting them to have a platform to inspire, encourage and challenge ideas and
perceptions.
“We are delighted to be able to support International Women’s Day #BreakTheBias as the
University believes deeply in the South West’s ability to be a region that supports and
nurtures all creative talent.”
Laura Philpott, Creative Business Advisor at Cultivator Cornwall, said: “Cornwall’s creative
businesses are found all over the county and this event will provide a perfect opportunity for
them to tackle an important subject as a collective whilst also instigating new connections
and giving a voice to those who are less visible.
“Certain genders are vastly underrepresented and stereotyped within some creative sectors,
creating a multitude of issues and barriers to accessing industry opportunities and
networking. The ability to share experiences, challenges and best practice at this event is
crucial for sole traders and business owners to feel supported and confident when tackling
gender equality.”
Additional highlights include a photography exhibition by SheProducer – raising the visibility
of female music producers in Cornwall with a series of large photographs featuring women at
work in their studios and including the opportunity to listen to their work – an art workshop led
by Gabrielle de Glatigny and a movement workshop led by Off The Wall Aerial.’
There’s networking opportunities and panel discussions, options to participate in wellbeing
classes and valuable insights into business essentials such as intellectual property rights,
mentoring opportunities and collaborative practice.
Minko, co-founder of SheProducer, said: “Our project was designed to offer female music
makers a safe space to learn, share skills and participate in a supportive creative
community. The Change + Makers event really shares those aims and we are delighted to
be showcasing the SheProducers’ work at the heart of it.”
Elise Livingston of Amped Music Therapy added: “I love working with Cultivator and wanted
to be involved with International Women’s day to meet with other independent business
women and to share experiences of what it’s really like running a business in Cornwall. In
2022, it’s more important than ever to connect and communicate, and I can’t wait to bring a
creative space for reflection and fun.”
Cultivator is funded by the European Structural & Investment Funds, Arts Council
England, Cornwall Council and HM Government.