LEARN: How to start running creative workshops

How to Start Running Creative Workshops

A practical session for artists, makers and creative people

Have you ever thought about sharing your creative skills through workshops, but don’t know where to start? This friendly, practical session is for artists, craftspeople, and makers who want to begin running their own creative workshops – whether you’re just starting out or testing the waters.

Led by a community arts practitioner with over 20 years of experience across charities, schools, councils, and freelance projects, this session is packed with real-life insight. Dion currently programmes LEARN, the classes and workshops strand at Taunton Brewhouse. That means she is regularly on the lookout for new workshop leaders, and knows what makes a strong proposal stand out. From selecting facilitators to shaping the programme, she sees both sides of the process – as someone who books workshops and someone who delivers them. That insight will be woven throughout the session to give you a clear understanding of what venues and organisers are really looking for.

"I’ve programmed, delivered, and attended more workshops than I can count – some brilliant, some not-so-much – and I’ve picked up a toolkit of tips and tricks along the way. I’m not a trained teacher, so I won’t be talking about pedagogy in detail. Instead, we’ll focus on all the other elements that go into creating a successful, meaningful workshop experience."

The session will cover:

How to plan your workshop with your audience in mind

Risk assessments and choosing the right venue

Budgeting and pricing

Marketing your workshop

Evaluating what works (and what doesn’t)

There’ll be a worksheet pack to jot things down – no pressure to share, and no long lectures. It’ll be a short, hands-on session designed to leave you feeling inspired and equipped to take your first steps as a workshop leader.

Whether you’re into clay, collage or calligraphy, come along and find out how to turn your passion into a purposeful, well-run experience for others.