By Anita Harvey-Warne, Assistant Producer
A few days on from SO Create, I’ve been taking some time to reflect on the experience and everything that came from it.
The event brought together artists, creatives, community groups, organisations and local leaders from across East Lindsey to share ideas, make connections and explore opportunities for future cultural projects. Throughout the day, there were conversations about performances, community engagement, collaborations and creative projects, but more than anything, there was a genuine willingness to listen, support and learn from one another.
For me personally, the day felt particularly significant as it was the first networking event I have ever hosted.
If I’m honest, networking has never been something I’ve found especially comfortable. Like many people, I’ve attended events in the past and left feeling like I didn’t quite know where I fitted into the conversation. Walking into a room full of strangers can be daunting, and it can sometimes feel difficult to know where to start.
Because of those experiences, one of my main goals when helping shape SO Create was to create something that felt welcoming and accessible. I wanted people to feel comfortable joining conversations, sharing ideas and connecting with others, regardless of whether they arrived with a fully developed project or just the beginnings of an idea.
One of my favourite quotes is:
“Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress.”
As the event approached, I found myself thinking about that quote a lot. There were plenty of moments where I worried whether everything was ready, whether I’d asked the right questions, or whether I was the right person to be leading discussions. Looking back now, I’m glad I didn’t let those concerns stop me.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any one activity or session. It’s the moments in between.
It’s seeing conversations continue long after sessions had officially ended. It’s hearing people share new project ideas and watching others offer suggestions, advice and encouragement. It’s seeing introductions being made and contacts being exchanged. It’s watching people realise that there are others out there facing similar challenges, exploring similar ideas or looking for opportunities to collaborate.
One of the highlights of the day was facilitating conversations around performance ideas and cultural projects. It was exciting to hear such a wide range of ambitions being shared, from ideas in their earliest stages through to projects that are already beginning to take shape. What struck me most was how willing people were to contribute not only their own thoughts, but also their support for others.
Events like SO Create remind us that creativity rarely happens in isolation. Behind every project, performance or event are conversations, partnerships and relationships that help ideas grow. Sometimes all it takes is a single introduction or a fresh perspective to move something forward.
As the event draws further into the past, I’m still thinking about the ideas, partnerships and opportunities that were sparked in that room. While it’s impossible to know exactly where every conversation will lead, I’m excited to see what develops over the coming months.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, participated and shared so openly. The energy, creativity and generosity in the room are what made the day such a success, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Link to read more about future SO Creates events
