Digital Day: Future Ready

A free day of talks and practical workshops exploring how creative and cultural freelancers can thrive in a digital landscape.

Join us for a day of talks and practical workshops exploring how digital tools and platforms can practically support freelancers working in the creative industries.

Engage in conversations and hands on workshops exploring how to build sustainable, future-facing careers in a fast-changing digital landscape.

This event brings together artists, freelancers, educators, commissioners and digital experts to unpack where the opportunities are, what challenges still exist, and how creatives can position themselves to thrive.

Expect honest conversations, useful insight, and practical support, whether you’re curious about digital tools, looking to future-proof your freelance practice, or wanting to connect with others navigating similar changes.

Who’s It For?

This event is for creative and cultural freelancers across all disciplines, including artists, producers, makers, designers, performers, writers, technicians, filmmakers, musicians and creative practitioners.

If you work in a freelance capacity and you're interested in digital skills, tools and opportunities, whether you’re already working digitally or just starting to explore it, you’re welcome.

What to Expect

Expect a mix of panel discussion, talks, conversations and hands-on workshops, exploring how digital is reshaping creative and cultural work. We will be exploring new ways of making, sharing and commissioning digital work. The Tees Valley Combined Authority will eb talking about their major investments in digital infrastructure, skills and innovation.

The Morning

- “How Creative Freelancers Can Thrive in a Digital Tees Valley?

A panel discussion featuring honest insights and perspectives from freelancers, commissioners, funders and venues.

- Rob Lindsay, from The Space joins us to talk about the work they are doing to support the cultural sector to be digitally innovative. Sharing common difficulties and themes alongside example of how The Space can help.

The Afternoon

Choose from the following sessions..

Workshop 1-Digital Culture Network & Amy Goulding in Conversation. How the DCN have supported freelancers, a live case study.

Workshop 2- Shadow Puppets with Scott Turnbull

Workshop 3-“Beyond the Algorithm” A practical ‘brand story’ workshop for businesses and organisations focused on social media advertising tools, audience growth strategies, increasing reach engagement, and developing an understanding of platform algorithms.

We know your busy people and you might need some space to work during the day, Billy No Mates have kindly offered to host a co-working breakout space throughout the day. Sarah, might even let you pinch one of her coveted stickers 👀

Partners

Future Ready is organised by the Tees Valley Creates Freelancer Network, in partnership with Arts Council England and The Northern School of Art, and hosted at The Northern School of Art.

Access Information

We want this event to be welcoming and accessible for everyone.

• The venue is wheelchair accessible
• BSL interpretation can be provided for sessions if requested in advance
• Please let us know any dietary requirements when booking
• If you have any additional access needs, we’ll do our best to support you

Bursaries

A limited number of freelancer bursaries are available to help remove barriers to attending, including support towards travel, access or caring costs.

Information on how to apply will be shared after booking.

Data Sharing

Please note that booking information may be shared between delivery partners, including Arts Council England and The Northern School of Art, for the purposes of administering and evaluating the event.