Creative Connections

Aim

Making "Creative Connections" that support economical, social and environmental benefits in the South Wales Valleys (and eventually beyond).

30 years of bringing people together.

For over 30 years, Drum Runners has been bringing people together through interactive music workshops, creative events and shared experiences.

We call that the Creative Stage 

From schools and community settings to outdoor events and participatory projects, we've seen what can happen when people are given the opportunity to express themselves, share ideas, discover their creativity and make something together.

But we believe there is an opportunity to take that experience further.

We're now looking to create a lasting legacy, a growing network that connects independent creatives, local communities and businesses to create opportunities, share resources and generate positive social impact.

We're starting in the South Wales Valleys, one community at a time

Independent creatives often work in isolation. Community groups are looking for new opportunities and resources. Local businesses want to make meaningful connections and contribute to the places where they live and work.

Yet these people, skills, ideas and resources don't always find one another. We want to help change that.

Rather than creating a conventional music project or one-off event, we're developing a flexible creative network where musicians, songwriters, storytellers, artists, performers, makers and other independent creatives can come together with local people and organisations to build upon success and inspiration.

Each Creative Connection will bring together a small group of creatives, a local host and a community venue to share ideas, develop original work and create new relationships.

It is not about arriving, performing, displaying art forms and leaving. It is about helping something grow.

CONNECT >>  Bring people, independent creatives, community organisations and businesses together.

CREATE >>  Make original music, stories, performances, products and shared experiences.

CAPTURE >>  Record the voices, ideas, stories and creative outcomes that emerge.

CULTIVATE >>  Help local relationships, collaborations and creative Hubs continue to develop.

EXCHANGE >> Share opportunities, skills, audiences, resources and income between people and communities.

Its under creative wrappers !

We have already built a solid FREE resource and platform of Podcasts, searchable Maps, Audio Recording opportunities, Shop, Affiliate System, Events Calendar and other Digital Assets. We have invested a lot of time on this structure (over 100 hours) and invested a bit of well spent money (approx. £50 per month) to develop a foundation in answer to issues faced within communities.  

You can see our progress at https://www.drumrunners.org/connect 

Connecting Creative Communities >>

The long-term ambition is to develop a network of local creative Hubs. A Hub doesn't have to be a permanent building. It can be a group of people, a local venue, a community organisation or a collection of relationships that continue to create opportunities together.

A pub, village hall, library, arts centre, workshop or outdoor space, even online could become a meeting point.

Building Business Bridges >>

We also want to connect creative communities with businesses that can help unlock opportunities.

Businesses can contribute more than sponsorship. They might offer a venue, equipment, professional expertise, mentoring, materials, introductions, financial support or paid creative commissions.

In return, they become part of something meaningful, supporting local participation, independent creative work, community connections and measurable social value.

We want to build genuine partnerships where resources are shared, creatives are paid fairly and the benefits reach beyond a single event.

Creative Giving >>

We have also developed a way for independent creatives to connect the products they recommend with causes they care about.

Through Creative Giving, participating creatives can feature eligible products through affiliate links and nominate a charity, community group or social impact project to receive an agreed share of the affiliate commission earned.

This creates another bridge between creative people, businesses and community causes.

It means the network can develop additional income and support for local projects beyond events and workshops, with clear commitments about where contributions go.

What your support will make possible >>

Our first step is deliberately small and achievable. One community, one venue, one day, and a two person creative team.

We'll bring two facilitators with multiple skills together with a local host organisation to create a starting point for future activity.

Creative facilitation >> bringing people together and guiding the collaborative process.

Audio production >> capturing and developing original community created tracks.

Local venue and coordination >> providing a welcoming place and helping people take part.

Travel and accessibility >> keeping the activity local and making participation more accessible.

Administration and insurance >> putting the practical foundations in place.

Our initial pilot budget is estimated at £710, with a proposed crowdfunding target of £800 to allow for platform and payment charges. We will keep the first stage focused, transparent and realistic.

The first visit will be a beginning, not a finished project.

Going further >>

We want the benefits to reach further to make a lasting difference >>

Create >> new relationships between independent creatives and local     communities.

Open up opportunities >> for people who may not otherwise have access to     creative activity.

Support >> confidence, expression, participation and a sense of belonging.   

Celebrate >> local stories, voices, identity and culture.

Create >> paid opportunities for independent creatives and local suppliers.

Connect >> businesses with meaningful community partnerships.

Develop >> original recordings and creative work that can be shared and     enjoyed.

Encourage >> local groups to continue working together and develop their own     creative activity.

We will document what happens, listen to participants and share the outcomes. 

For the long run >> 

Crowdfunding can help us get started, but we do not want the project to depend on fundraising alone.

Our longer-term model brings together several income and support routes:

>> Business partnerships and sponsorship.

>> Paid workshops, events and creative commissions.

>> Council, community and organisational partnerships.

>> Crowdfunding for specific community projects.

>> Original audio, digital products and creative work.

>> Supporter contributions.

>> Creative Giving and affiliate product partnerships.

The intention is to pay people fairly, retain value within the communities where it is created and reinvest in further creative connections.

The finish line ? >>

We can not build this network alone. It needs people who believe in the value of creativity, connection and community.

Whether you are an independent creative, a local business, a community organisation or someone who simply believes in bringing people together, this is the place for you.

Your support could help fund the first campaign, provide a resource, open a door, introduce a partner or help us reach another community.

You do not have to be a creative. You might have another skill, a venue, an idea, a useful contact or simply a willingness to get involved.

MAKE YOUR CONNECTION >>

Please support Creative Connections and help us connect, create and cultivate something that lasts.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 3rd February 2027 at 12:29pm