About Creative Freelancers’ Marketplace

An afternoon of inspiration, skill-building and connection for Brent’s creative freelancers and organisations.

At this ViBrent Network meeting, we shone a spotlight on Brent’s freelance community. It was a marketplace of ideas, skills, and opportunities, where creative freelancers could showcase what they do, and organisations could meet the people shaping Brent’s cultural future.

Alongside the marketplace, there were practical workshops and space to network, giving freelancers tools and contacts to forge new career opportunities.

Whether people were looking for new collaborators, searching for freelance talent, or just curious about Brent’s creative scene, it was a chance to plug into the local network.

You can access all the ViBrent Network Resources showcased at the event here.

Who was it for?

This free event was open to anyone connected to Brent’s cultural and creative sector, whether they live, work, study, or were looking for opportunities in the borough.

Organisations were able to represent themselves by hosting a marketplace stall, coordinated through Programme Co-ordinator Bel at bel@punchdrunkenrichment.org.uk.

Freelancers, or attendees from organisations without a stall, were able to book their place via the provided link.

What happened on the day?

How to Pitch Yourself workshop (led by Bloom Skills Employment)
A talk from Erica Campayne (Arts Council England) on new research and services to support freelancers
CV Surgery (lead by Bloom Skills Employment)
A marketplace featuring local organisations including Kiln Theatre, Unique Community, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and many more.

Where did it take place?

The event took place at The Library at Willesden Green, 95 High Rd, London NW10 2SF, running from 12.30pm–5pm. Refreshments were provided.

The venue was wheelchair accessible. There was no parking available at Willesden Library, so attendees were encouraged to use public transport. Willesden Green station (Jubilee line) was a 7-minute walk away, and several bus routes stopped nearby.

What is ViBrent?

Event programme:

12:30-12:50 – Arrival

You were welcome to arrive from 12.30pm. Refreshments were be provided.

12:50-13:00 – Introduction

You were welcomed by Bel Parker (ViBrent Programme Co-ordinator), who introduced the day and shared updates from the ViBrent Consortium.

13:00-14:00 – Investing in the Individual with Erica Campayne

Erica Campayne (Senior Manager, Combined Arts & Individuals) from Arts Council England kicked off the day by sharing an inside look at the new services and research the Arts Council is developing to better support freelancers – and what this could mean for you.

14:00-15:00 – How to Pitch Yourself with Bloom Skills

Bloom Skills Employment lead this practical workshop on pitching yourself as a freelancer.

15:00-15:30 – Snacks from Bibi’s House

Attendees took a break and enjoyed some refreshments from Bibi’s House London.

15:30-17:00 – The Freelancers' Marketplace

Opportunity to meet creative organisations based in Brent, or form connections with other freelancers. We had stalls represented by Kiln Theatre, Mahogany Arts, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and many more. Scroll below for the full list.

15:30-17:00 – CV Surgery with Bloom Skills Employment

During the marketplace, Bloom Skills Employment were running 1-1 CV surgeries. There were limited spots available, which were available to book on the day.