By KLTV Newsdesk –

On 30th January, The Media Centre in Huddersfield became a hub of artistic collaboration as Culture Collective hosted its Creativity in Kirklees event.

The gathering brought together creative practitioners, industry professionals, and cultural leaders to network, share ideas, and help shape the future of the arts in the region.

The event was structured into three key parts. The morning session featured creative stalls, where attendees could explore the work of local creative organisations, discover potential collaboration opportunities, and showcase their projects.

This drop-in session provided a platform for creatives to bring their work to a wider audience and connect with like-minded professionals.

The afternoon session focused on shaping Kirklees Council’s new Cultural Strategy. Led by CTConsults, the workshops encouraged attendees to contribute to emerging themes, priorities, and ideas for the future of the local cultural landscape.

This interactive session allowed creatives to have their voices heard in the development of a strategy that will influence arts and culture in Kirklees for years to come.

Following the workshops, attendees took part in a networking and social session, where they exchanged ideas and discussed best practices over complimentary refreshments.

Beyond the main event, several creative organisations also hosted Open House sessions across Huddersfield’s Piazza, including Children’s Art School, Thread Republic, and West Yorkshire Print Workshop.

These sessions allowed visitors to drop in and explore different creative spaces and activities happening in the area.

Culture Collective continues to advocate for the cultural sector in Kirklees. With senior representation from Kirklees Council, the University of Huddersfield, and local creative businesses, the group aims to support and grow the region’s artistic and cultural industries.

The day saw dozens of representatives from across kirklees’s cultural sector come together to celebrate the thriving community.

Representatives from Kirklees Libraries introduced their innovative Maker Spaces, designed to inspire creativity and digital skills development.

Dr Rowan Bailey from Huddersfield University’s Arts and Humanities Department highlighted the wealth of creative opportunities the university offers.

Mental well-being through creativity was also a key focus, with Holly from Hoot Creative Arts discussing the role of music and the arts in mental health support.

Meanwhile, Natalie, curator of WOVEN in Kirklees, previewed the upcoming textile festival and reflected on the importance of uniting creative groups under one roof.

The Creativity in Kirklees event highlighted the strength and diversity of the local creative community, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in ensuring a thriving cultural future for the region.

Keep an eye out for our full video coming soon!