What Winchester Creatives means to me: Ella Povey
My first contact with Winchester Creatives was back in August 2020, when I was passed along an application for their mentorship scheme which I filled out and sent off without further thought. In the back of my brain was a subconscious, but often reinforced thought, that nothing will come of it, people will say they are there to help but it’s more often than not, quite performative.
So, when I pressed the red ‘end call’ button on my first chat with Richard, stunned is the only emotion I can describe. Number one, I didn’t realise such enthusiasm could radiate from someone over a 12 inch iPad screen and number two, I had never seen such passion from someone who had no responsibility to do so.
That’s one of the first things I learnt about Richard and Dan, that they had absolutely no reason to be doing what they were doing, other than kindness. That’s what Winchester Creatives is, a hub of kindness where passion and care radiate throughout.
Aside from Richard and Dan, who I’ll refrain from talking about too much as I’m aware they’re not fans of the spotlight (you might not guess that when Richard turns up in pink wigs to our Instagram lives), Winchester Creatives has opened the door to a community that is so unique in its offering.
When the doors to the world closed in March 2020, it was widely accepted that the idea of a social life, opportunities and meeting new people would go out the window. But, if there was a heat map of activity across the UK in 2020, Winchester would be infrared. Now, that’s not because it’s a hub of rule breaking and groups of more than 6 gathering (it’s not I promise), but it would be because of Winchester Creatives, a place where opportunity prospered even through the strangest of years.
If you need to know one thing about Winchester Creatives, it is that everyone looks out for each other. If someone needs help on a project, advice on their portfolio, guests on their IG live segment (not looking at any particular person here...) or simply just a pointer in the right direction there’s no doubt someone will be there to step in.
I could continue to tell you all about the goldmine that is Winchester Creatives, but what would be the fun in that?
There are a lot of people who have Winchester Creatives to thank, and some don’t even know it. Councils, universities and leaders were let off the hook by this organisation stepping up to the plate when they didn’t. I feel pride when I talk about Winchester Creatives, but those people who have shied away from their responsibilities might squirm, excuse themselves or straight up turn their backs.
The doors are always open, you’re always welcome to suss it out for yourself whether that be on a First Friday Social or tuning in to an Instagram live (shameless plug). It is a business model that does not survive without the support of real-life humans, the ones that can make a difference but more importantly the ones that want to make a difference. So don’t turn your back, don’t shy away. I urge you to experience the energy for yourself, understand the purpose and join the community.
Ella Povey