At Creative Edinburgh, our mission has always been to connect, support, and empower Edinburgh’s creative community. Over the past year, our Creative Sectors series, delivered in partnership with Business Gateway, has been a testament to this mission. Designed to foster collaboration, support career development, and create meaningful opportunities for freelancers and creative practitioners, the series has explored key industries including publishing, sustainable fashion, exhibition design, and music.
Events 21 April 2025
Creative Sectors: Strengthening Edinburgh’s Creative Ecosystem
Connection and Growth
Since its launch in 2023, the Creative Sectors series, made up of five events, has brought together 16 partner organisations, and over 160 attendees, and provided several paid opportunities to freelancers to share their expertise as panellists and facilitators. The in-person sessions at CodeBase created an accessible and welcoming space for discussions, networking, and new collaborations. By bridging the gap between freelancers and established organisations, we’ve helped creatives access funding opportunities, industry insights, and career pathways that might have otherwise felt out of reach.
Exploring Edinburgh’s Creative Landscape
Each session in the series focused on a different sector, with expert speakers offering insights into career development, funding, and industry trends:
- Publishing, Poetry & Creative Writing (October 2023) – In collaboration with organisations including the Scottish Poetry Library and Publishing Scotland, this event provided invaluable guidance on navigating the literary sector.
- Sustainable Fashion & Textile Industry (March 2024) – Featuring SHRUB Coop and Dovecot Studios, the discussion centred on circular design and sustainable practices in fashion.
- Exhibition Design, Curation & Engagement (May 2024) – Partnering with Edinburgh Art Festival, Fruitmarket and National Museum of Scotland, the session explored the evolving landscape of curatorial and exhibition work.
- Exploring Edinburgh’s Music Scene (March 2025) – With panellists from the National Centre for Music and Scottish Music Industry Association, we examined career sustainability for musicians and industry professionals.
The Impact of Creative Sectors
The events not only provided attendees with direct access to sector-specific knowledge but also reinforced the importance of community in Edinburgh’s creative industries.
Beyond the statistics, the real impact has been in the connections made, the conversations sparked, and the careers supported. By offering freelancers a chance to engage with leading organisations, Creative Sectors has played a role in fostering confidence, initiating collaborations, and strengthening the local creative network. Many attendees left with newfound opportunities, collaborations, and the confidence to take their next career steps.
Continuing the Journey
Creative Sectors has been an incredible journey, made possible by our collaboration with Business Gateway and the participation of Edinburgh’s vibrant creative community. As we look ahead to 2025/26, we remain committed to championing creativity, advocating for freelancers, and ensuring that Edinburgh continues to be a thriving hub for creative professionals.
If you’re interested in joining our future events or collaborating with us, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our Programme Manager, Zoe, and be part of the next chapter of Creative Sectors!
