Start-Up Special: Building a Sustainable Creative Practice

What are Start-Up Specials?

Start-Up Specials are warm, friendly, twice-termly events which are a collaboration between the University of Bristol (Basecamp Enterprise Team) and the University of the West of England (The Enterprise Engine). These events aim to put a wide range of founders and local entrepreneurs in front of you, help build your understanding and confidence about being in an entrepreneurial or self-employment space, and to foster meaningful connections between like-minded individuals.  

You'll be able to listen to subject specialists covering a diverse range of topics, ask questions to directly them and network with each other and the panel afterwards. Plus link with the support teams in your university who can help you make your ideas become a reality. 

What's on this time?

Start-Up Special: Building a Sustainable Creative Practice is perfect for anyone who wants to build a sustainable creative practice on their own terms. Whether you're considering freelance work, developing an independent practice, or launching a creative venture, this event will give you insight into what that journey can look like.

Our panel will share their personal stories, the projects and businesses they have built, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Coming from a diverse range of creative backgrounds, they demonstrate that there is no single route to success in the creative industries. Through resilience, experimentation, and a willingness to forge their own paths, they have built fulfilling careers that showcase the many different ways creativity can thrive.

Meet the panel:

• TBC 

On the day:

This event comprises 1 hour panel discussion followed by a Q&A  and an 1 hour networking period.

The event will follow these general timings:

• Arrival and registration: 5 to 5:30 pm
• Panel discussion with local business experts: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
• Networking, with snacks and drinks provided: 6:30 to 7:15 pm
• Leaving time: 7:15 to 7:30 pm

Enter via either main doors and meet near the wishing well (pictured below), in the middle of the store where the black flooring meets the white. From here you will be directed up the stairs to the event space, or will be taken upstairs in the lift (more on accessibility requirements below).

Can no longer make the session?

Please ensure you cancel your booking with 24 hours notice so that other students are able to attend in your place. 

Have accessibility requirements?

The venue has a lift and speaker system, with the lift needing a staff member to operate. To make the evening as enjoyable as possible for you, if you have any accessibility requirements, please email basecamp@bristol.ac.uk ahead of time so that we can make any adjustments for your attendance. 

Parking

There is no on-site parking at Sparks. The nearest available parking is at:
🚗 The Galleries – Newgate, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3DT
For disabled parking:
♿ Nearest spaces: By The Works, The Horsefair, Broadmead, BS1 3HT (3 spaces)
♿ Additional spaces: Available at The Galleries

Internet Access
📶 WiFi Network: Sparks
🔑 Password: ArtspaceLifespace