Bucks Culture convenes a series of networks for creative and cultural individuals. These are designed to facilitate connection, sharing and collaboration. Networking events are communicated via our Newsletter and Sector Development Calendar. In some cases, networks operate via a mailing list for communications and invites, please contact us if you wish to be included.
We also offer support and advice meetings to help build projects, access funding, get connected.
Creative and Culture Network
The Buckinghamshire Creative and Culture Network is open to anyone interested in increasing creative and cultural opportunities for the people of Buckinghamshire – whether you are a freelancer, work in a theatre, museum, youth charity, local authority, university or any where else. Our events are designed to share information and opportunities, enable connection, develop partnerships and projects, and create space for collaboration and exploration.
Networking, training and inspiration events are listed on our Sector Development Calendar:
Bucks Collections Network
The Bucks Collections Network is open to anyone looking after a collection in Bucks. The network aims to create a supportive and open space for discussion and troubleshooting, as well as peer-to-peer support. Meetings move around the county, hosted and Chaired by different organisations, who set their own agenda for their session with the aim of sharing advice, good practice and useful information.
2025 meetings will take place in July and October.
Please reach out if you wish to be added to the Bucks Collections Network mailing list.
Below we have listed networks, groups and sources of advice that are not run by Bucks Culture. This list is correct at time of publishing, and if we have missed anything, please do let us know.
Chiltern Creative
Chiltern Creative is an informal networking group for people in Chesham who work in the creative industries. The group has a number of networking events each year, hosted by Chesham businesses.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Chiltern-Creative/100080110668370/
Visual Images Group (organisers of Bucks Art Weeks)
The Visual Images Group (VIG) are the organisers of Bucks Art Weeks exhibitions and events, an association of Buckinghamshire artists and makers. Bucks Art Weeks brings together the work of hundreds of contemporary artists and makers around Buckinghamshire. Each year in June, pop-up exhibitions appear in working studios, galleries, and other venues. Every type of work is on show – sculpture, glass, jewellery, painting, wirework, woodwork, photography, textiles, and more – for visitors to view, purchase or commission. Visual Images Group membership is required to enable participation in Bucks Art Weeks.
Contact: admin@bucksartweeks.org.uk
Website: https://www.bucksartweeks.org.uk/
Wycombe Swan Creative Network
A cost-free network for local creatives to gather, share, learn and connect. Whether you are an illustrator, choreographer, arts manager or drama teacher, this network is open to all. Meetings are quarterly at Wycombe Swan from 6pm-8pm.
Those interested can register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScab_zW56xyMWPiTz8bN_J1MC9XHzmfbvVgl_1dLG7N6UNnZQ/viewform?usp=pp_url
Young Creative Bucks
Young Creative Bucks is the county’s Cultural Education Partnership. A partnership that includes local government, schools, youth organisations, higher education, health and social care, trusts and foundations, arts, heritage, and the creative industries, it focusses on increasing young people’s access to arts and culture. If you want to support young people to fulfil their creative curiosity, develop their talent, explore and pursue career opportunities into the creative industries, get in touch to be part of meetings, events and projects.
Contact: cwillis@youngcreativebucks.org
Website: https://youngcreativebucks.org/
Other Useful Places for Information and Advice
Buckinghamshire Business First
Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF) offers a range of support for creatives/freelancers/artists/creative businesses in the county. BBF are there to help with many day-to-day questions around running a business alongside workshops addressing such topics as; marketing, digital, understanding your finances, business planning etc. You can also find business resources on their website.
If you sign up (free to all) you gain access to their directory, co-working hubs in various locations, workshops, events and mentoring.
Contact: 01494 927130 / BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com
Website: www.bbf.uk.com
Inclusion in this list is not to be considered endorsement.