West Yorkshire - Lifelong Learning Network

Since April 2008 WYLLN has supported Leeds College of Art to run the Creative Networks monthly networking events. Creative Networks is jointly organised by Leeds College of Art, the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre and two of the WYLLN sector groups (Digital Industries, including Creative Digital, ICT and Print Sector Group and Culture, Media, Sports and the Arts; Leisure, Hospitality and Tourism.

The purpose of 'Creative Networks' is to bring together all parties involved in the regions' Creative, Cultural and Digital Industry sectors; and, through promoting knowledge transfer, business development and collaboration, it seeks to contribute to the establishment of a strong, long-term industry in the region. Primarily, this has, and continues to be achieved, through increasing awareness and access to regional education and skills provision and through reciprocal knowledge sharing of innovative technologies, creative practice and business processes.

The Network has been running since April 2008 and has attracted an average of 104 delegates each month.

Raising the profile of the region, the Network has attracted well regarded keynote speakers: Jimmy Choo (Couture), Nik Powell (Film), Simon Napier-Bell (Music), Frazer Irving (Illustration), Ajaz Ahmed (ICT).  There has also been a regional showcase of business excellence, a business support fayre and a debate held by Yorkshire Forward, Arts Council, CIDA and Screen Yorkshire regards, ‘How Creative is Yorkshire?’.

If you have any queries regarding Creative Networks please contact Leia Bassett at leia@ntileeds.co.uk or Steve Smith at steve.smith@leeds-art.ac.uk