Join us from 12pm on Friday 13 April as we look at startups in the creative industries – what can we learn from them and how might you go about making your startup dream a reality?
Matthew Caines
Guardian Professional, Thursday 12 April 2012 12.33 BST
Article from The Guardian
It took the two founders of Instagram only two years to turn their photo-sharing social app into $1bn – not bad for a company that has 13 employees and doesn't make a single penny. Founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger have made a pretty packet from the app, but more than anything they've shown the world how powerful an entrepreneurial spirit and startup mentality can be in this digital age.
And where culture and the arts are concerned there's certainly reason to start thinking of, or like, a startup. They share a lot more than you might think: the need for outside investment, the focus on collaboration, a strong audience connection and big thinking around small budgets.
With digital innovation evolving so rapidly and with new tools and platforms popping up all over our social, local, mobile and online channels, starting up has never been so accessible. And for those organisations already established or looking at their next project, there's certainly something to learn from a startup mentality.
Anne-Marie Imafidon made a call to arms this week when she explained why arts organisations should act more like startups. "If you make what you do replicable, and empower others to do it, you'll be meeting more than just your own objectives," she said. "If you're providing a service, there's a chance that someone somewhere will pay for it – even if it's not the person receiving the service."
If there's not an opportunity to start something new yourself, there's certainly plenty to learn from those who do. So whether you're looking to realise your creative idea as a new product or take some of that entrepreneurial thought back to the boardroom, join our live chat this Friday 13 April from 12pm to 2pm to share insights, ideas and advice around starting up.
Panel (more to follow)
Estela Oliva, founder & director, Alpha-ville (http://www.alpha-ville.co.uk/)
Estela is a digital entrepreneur currently running her own digital consultancy as well as Alpha-ville, a not for profit startup dedicated to the development of digital culture. The organisation presents a post-digital festival where technology meets art and creativity – she previously worked at Google. @estelaoliva @alphavillefest
Patricia van den Akker, director, The Design Trust (http://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/)
Patricia has worked for nearly 15 years in creative business development, specialising in design and crafts. She has worked at the Crafts Council, Studio Levien, CIDA and Pembridge & Partners. In 2011 she took over The Design Trust to help people start, run and grow their design and craft businesses. @thedesigntrust
Laura Wellington & James Abbott-Donnelly, directors, Duke Studios (http://www.duke-studios.com/)
Laura and James are co-founders of Duke Studios in Leeds. When not transforming 7,500 square feet into a creative co-working space Laura also runs her own design practice supplying both the UK and international markets. James also runs a photography business. @Dukestudioleeds @laurawelli @jamesadphoto
Marie-Anne Leonard, founder/director, Art on the Street CIC (http://www.maidenheadartmarket.org/)
Founded by four friends in 2009, Art on the Street provides artists with affordable ways to sell their work and develop as independent businesses, creating artspaces where there are none, offering advice and support as well as enabling networking and collaboration opportunities. @artonthestreet
To join this live chat as a panellist, email Matthew Caines (matthew.caines@guardian.co.uk)
Article from The Guardian