Creative Plus Business

ONLINE: Future Planning for Creatives
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
A business or strategic plan is more than a way to make a bank or funder happy. It can be a truly invaluable tool to help you figure out where you’re going – and why.

Summarising your creative business or arts organisation into a written plan is a great idea, but without guidance it can become a stale and unused document that never gets implemented.

Future Planning for Creatives is an online workshop that reframes and explains the planning process in a way specifically designed for creative learners, with a focus on creating practical action plans that work. With plenty or templates and tools to discuss, this friendly and real-world workshop will help arts practitioners from beginners to more experience professionals.

REGISTER NOW

Participants will discuss the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The planning process in general, and how to understand the different types.+ A look at the ‘traditional’ business and strategic plan, and the sections to focus on.+ The importance of understanding the benefits of a vision, mission and values statement.+ Choosing the right template for your purposes.+ The reality of planning a professional approach with a busy personal life and artistic practice.

Resources and templates will also be provided for a variety of both business and strategic plans.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Templates for business, strategic, operational, and marketing plans – everything you need!+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Cost: Registration is AU$47 incl GST. No Booking Fee is charged for registrations to our workshops.

This workshop will take place on Zoom and is open to anyone in Australia or internationally. Not confident using Zoom? Download our handy Zoom users guide here.

You will receive a link to the workshop in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop.

REGISTER NOW

FREE WEBINAR: Yes, You're An Expert - or how to beat imposterism
2026-03-11 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Smart creative people have extensive options for marketing themselves and making money, and using Expert Strategy is a fabulous way of combining both.

Making a plan and becoming a recognised expert in a specific niche of your practice can significantly build your business and help to generate new income streams. Yes, You’re an Expert introduces the basics of this strategy, covers some ways to identify where you are most knowledgeable and confident, and helps with some practical pointers on how to overcome the biggest hurdle – Imposterism.

Part of our Evening Education Series. The series is delivered as part of our commitment as a Social Enterprise to devote at least 50% of our profit to making programs and education free or heavily subsidised for creatives and arts organisations.

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW

What’s Included?A 60 minute webinar with a creative industries expert (which you can access later if you want) plus materials to help make the most of what you learn on the night.

Who’s it for?Creative and arts practitioners, freelancers, start-ups, and arts entrepreneurs from beginners to established (international sign-ups welcome!).

Who is the Host? Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What’s Creative Plus Business? We’re a national social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This webinar will be provided via Crowdcast. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. Click the Register Now link below to reserve your place now.

REGISTER NOW VIA CROWDCAST

ADELAIDE HILLS: IGNITION SA Business Basics for Creatives
2026-03-13 09:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Produced by Creative Plus Business, IGNITION SA brings to South Australia four initiatives to help creative businesses and arts professionals come together to learn, access professional development opportunities, gain mentorship and guidance, and build new creative and professional networks.REGISTER FOR FREE NOW (via Humanitix)

‘Business Basics for Creatives’ is a fun and practical workshop that covers all the essentials a creative needs to get the basics of small business right and avoid some of the most common pitfalls that artists can experience when entering the world of self-employment and freelancing. It also covers the legal necessities of running a professional practice and creates a safe friendly safe space where the mysteries of creative business are unravelled.

You will learn about the following: + Setting goals and making a plan for your start-up journey,+ The basics of business including ABNs, structures, business names and licences,+ The legal steps to registering your business,+ Getting ready for managing the money,+ Preparing for marketing and promotion,+ Where to go for more help.

Who is presenting?

Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

WHAT’S IGNITION SA?

IGNITION SA is a multi-year program of learning opportunities, mentoring, resources, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of South Australia’s creative professionals.

Every participant in IGNITION SA Events gets lifetime access to a dedicated Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links, practical Workbooks to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops, access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop AND the rest of the IGNITION SA program!

DOWNLOAD THE IGNITION SA PROGRAM GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILS

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?

We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

REGISTER NOW (via Humanitix)

VENUE: Fabrik Arts + Heritage, Lobethal Woollen Mill, 1 Lobethal Road, Lobethal SA 5241Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Want to know more about IGNITION SA?

Visit the IGNITION SA webpage here, where you can also sign up to the IGNITION SA newsletter so you don’t miss the latest news and events happening in South Australia.

Download the IGNITION SA Program guide and information here.

Presented by Creative Plus Business with support from the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.

ADELAIDE HILLS: IGNITION SA Financial Basics for Creatives
2026-03-14 09:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Produced by Creative Plus Business, IGNITION SA brings to South Australia four initiatives to help creative businesses and arts professionals come together to learn, access professional development opportunities, gain mentorship and guidance, and build new creative and professional networks.REGISTER FOR FREE NOW (via Humanitix)

Making a living and building a business in the arts means understanding how money works, but the financial situation for creatives can be challenging. ‘Financial Basics for Creatives’ is a whole day workshop that delves into all the tricky topics including how to manage the irregularity of work, what to charge, how to diversify a creative income, and where to go for more help with insurance, tax and superannuation.

You will learn about the following: + Introduction to the ‘Famine and the Feast’, and understanding how to weather the natural ups and downs of creative income.+ Ways to make better financial decisions by using the cost-benefits analysis tool.+ Learning the basics of budgets and cash flow projection to help navigate financial irregularity.+ The essential paperwork, including managing invoices and receipts.+ Practical steps to getting financially organised, including the best cloud accounting tools.+ More resources and places to go for help.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

WHAT’S IGNITION SA?IGNITION SA is a new program of learning opportunities, mentoring, resources, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of South Australia’s creative professionals.

Every participant in IGNITION SA Events gets lifetime access to a dedicated Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links, practical Workbooks to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops, access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop AND the rest of the IGNITION SA program!

DOWNLOAD THE IGNITION SA PROGRAM GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILS

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW (via Humanitix)

VENUE: Fabrik Arts + Heritage, Lobethal Woollen Mill, 1 Lobethal Road, Lobethal SA 5241Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Want to know more about IGNITION SA?

Visit the IGNITION SA webpage here, where you can also sign up to the IGNITION SA newsletter so you don’t miss the latest news and events happening in South Australia.

Download the IGNITION SA Program guide and information here.

Presented by Creative Plus Business with support from the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.

Ryde Creative Business Day: Pro Skills for Creatives
2026-03-25 09:30 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Welcome to an opportunity that is sure to provide some great value to your creative business practices – CREATIVE BUSINESS DAY!

The Creative Business Day is a day that combines peer-led workshops with networking, practical activities and a huge range of resources. The focus will be on two main areas – Finding Your Audience and Creative’s Guide to Websites, where you will be sure to accelerate your skills, create stronger creative networks and see immediate outcomes.

A creative business professional development event not to be missed!

REGISTRATION IS FREE AND ESSENTIAL Register via Ryde City Council on Eventbrite

PROGRAM

9.30am – 9.50am: Arrival9.50am – 10.00am: Host Welcome10.00am – 12.00pm: Workshop 1 – Finding Your Audience60 Minutes Lunch1.00pm – 3.00pm: Workshop 2 – Creative’s Guide to Websites

Who is the creative business day for?

Come along if you are a creative of any level – from recent graduate or curious hobbyist to a freelancer or an established arts practitioner. This workshop is open to anyone who lives, works, studies in the City of Ryde.

What do I get?All participants of this workshop receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

Location: Boronia Kitchen Next Door, 152 Pittwater Rd, Gladesville

Cost: This program is free but registration via Eventbrite is essential and places are strictly limited! Register via Ryde City Council on Eventbrite

THRIVE SYDNEY: Practical AI for Creative Business
2026-03-25 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Sydney)
REGISTER FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Join us for the first fabulous THRIVE CONNECT meetup event for 2026, Practical A.I for Creative Business.

In the rapidly evolving world of AI it’s easy to feel like we’re being left behind. Join former Google Creative Director and Artificial Intelligence consultant Tea Uglow for a fast and fun dive into the “what, why and how” of Artificial Intelligence, where it’s going and why we can feel confident within the creative and culture sector about the innate value of human creativity.

Special Guest: Tea Uglow from EP Australia

Tea Uglow is a Peabody-winning creative strategist, innovation advisor and internationally sought-after speaker exploring how technology is reshaping creativity, leadership and culture. Formerly a senior creative leader at Google Creative Lab, Tea has spent her career helping organisations make sense of emerging technologies, from AI to new digital experiences and what they mean for people, audiences and the future of work.Working with EP Australia, Tea brings a global perspective to conversations about leadership, innovation and change across the creative and digital economy. Known for her thoughtful, human approach, she helps leaders move beyond hype to understand how technological change can be approached with curiosity, responsibility and imagination.

Tea is also a passionate advocate for inclusion and representation in business and media. She is co-author of the trans flag emoji and author of Great LGBTQ Speeches.

ABOUT THRIVE CONNECT EVENTS

These are a quarterly series of meaningful meetups that combine networking with skills development and panel discussions on key topics affecting the creative industries. Made for creative practitioners, artists, innovators, and small businesses, each event is hosted at hubs and venues across the Sydney CBD. Every meetup includes a guest speaker and theme, along with suggested conversation topics to make networking easier and connections more interesting.

Registration is FREE and every THRIVE CONNECT includes plenty of time for networking (nibbles included). Every attendee will also receive an invitation to the THRIVE Toolkit and THRIVE private LinkedIn group.

Venue: The Commons Central, 20-40 Meagher Street, Chippendale. The event will take place in the main communal space on Level 1.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL AND FREE – CLICK HERE

WHAT’S THRIVE?THRIVE SYDNEY is a program of events, mentoring, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of Sydney’s artists and creative community. Supported by the City of Sydney and produced by Creative Plus Business, THRIVE brings to the city four initiatives to help creative professionals and artists come together, hear from inspiring industry leaders, access free professional development opportunities, and build new creative and professional networks.

DOWNLOAD THE THRIVE GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILSWHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?Creative Plus Business is a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

ACCESSIBILITYIf you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com.Entry is via main entry via stairs, and there is lift access to Level 1. If you require access for a wheelchair or are unable to use stairs please let us know and we’ll arrange for side entry for direct access to the elevator. EVENT PHOTOGRAPHYPlease note that a photographer will be there to snap images of the event for future marketing purposes and to share on social media. If you do not wish to be photographed on the night please let our team know.

Want to know more about THRIVE?

Visit the Thrive website here.

ONLINE: The Creative Hustle
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
It’s not just a dance move! Understanding how to hustle is a necessity for any creative professional because it’s all about knowing how to showcase your talent and professionalism in a way that connects with potential clients, customers, employers and audiences.

While we’d like to let our work speak for itself, we also need to be able to advocate for ourselves and tell our own stories. The Creative Hustle is a practical workshop designed to focus on purposeful visibility for yourself and your output.

You’ll learn how to showcase your talent and professionalism in a way that resonates with clients, employers, and audiences alike. We’ll explore ways to prepare for the inevitable hustle, including ways of talking about ourselves without too much cringe, getting our portfolio in order, and much more.

REGISTER NOW

Participants will discuss the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ Personal, creative ways to start the hustle and build relationships with the world.+ Explaining yourself, and showcasing your work in the best light.+ Understanding who you’ll be dancing with – customers, clients and audience!+ Preparing for conferences and networking opportunities.+ Making the most of referrals and relationships.+ Warm Calling and Strategic Coffee Meets.+ How to hustle up a professional lifetime in the creative industries.

More links and resources will also be shared about other elements of marketing like building a website, social media strategy, using the media and more

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional FREE webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Cost: Registration is AU$47 incl GST. No Booking Fee is charged for registrations to our workshops.

This workshop will take place on Zoom and is open to anyone in Australia or internationally. Not confident using Zoom? Download our handy Zoom users guide here.

You will receive a link to the workshop in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop.

REGISTER NOW

Geelong Creative Business Day
2026-03-27 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Join Creative Plus Business and Geelong City Council for a day of learning, networking, and business building, designed for creative practitioners, artists, and small creative businesses.

What is the Geelong Creative Business Day?

The day consists of a morning and afternoon session that dives into topics essential for creatives who are running their own practice or business, and the whole day has been designed by creatives, for creatives.

This new creative business day will focus on getting a great plan in place for your creative future, and tackle one of the most important aspects of any business or freelancing, marketing!

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW – CLICK HERE

Each session comes with all the tools, templates, and some handy tips to help you get the most of the content. Plus, every registration receives lifetime access to a dropbox with even more resources, and free webinars to help you with every aspect of your creative business.

It’s FREE and it’s happening on Friday, 27th March at Wurriki Nyal at 10am and 1pm, with a networking lunch in between. It’s a great chance to up-skill while meeting creatives from across the region – there’s nothing like meeting your next collaborator or creative mate!

MORNING SESSION: FUTURE PLANNING FOR CREATIVES | 10AM-12PM

A business or strategic plan is more than a way to make a bank or funder happy. It can be a truly invaluable tool to help you figure out where you’re going – and why. ‘Future Planning for Creatives’ is a fun and practical workshop that reframes the business and strategic planning process, made specifically for creative practitioners and arts businesses.

AFTERNOON SESSION: CREATIVE’S GUIDE TO MARKETING | 1PM-3PM

Marketing is one of the most challenging aspects of running a creative business or working in the arts. However, there is a simple solution to making marketing more palatable – take out the sales and focus on the strategy. The Creative’s Guide to Marketing workshop shares a simple six-step strategic approach designed to take the pain out of promotion, and put people back at the heart of marketing.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Location: Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong. Room: Multipurpose Room 1 on Podium Level.

Your Workshop Facilitator:

Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What’s Creative Plus Business?

We’re a national social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW – CLICK HERE

PORT ADELAIDE: Marketing Basics for Creatives
2026-04-10 09:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
BOOK NOW

Marketing is one of the most despised and least understood aspects of running a creative business, but there is a simple solution – take out the sales and focus on the strategy. ‘Marketing Basics for Creatives’ is a whole day workshop that looks at a practical and simple six-step marketing approach that has been specifically designed by creatives to take the pain out of promotion. We’ll also take a deep dive into digital marketing and old-school tactics.

You will learn about the following: + Re-imagining traditional marketing in a way that makes sense for creativity and the arts.+ Getting the foundational elements of “YOU” marketing right, without the terror of a deadline. + Understating the breadth of our ‘customers’, from clients to funding bodies to audience.+ Knowing and learning from our peers, and from word-of-mouth.+ Choosing the best digital and ‘old school’ tactics to help achieve your marketing goals.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

WHAT’S IGNITION SA?IGNITION SA is a new program of learning opportunities, mentoring, resources, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of South Australia’s creative professionals.

Every participant in IGNITION SA Events gets lifetime access to a dedicated Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links, practical Workbooks to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops, access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop AND the rest of the IGNITION SA program!

DOWNLOAD THE IGNITION SA PROGRAM GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILS

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

BOOK NOW

VENUE: Vitalstatistix, Waterside Workers Hall, 11 Nile Street, Port Adelaide SA 5015Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Want to know more about IGNITION SA?

Visit the IGNITION SA webpage here, where you can also sign up to the IGNITION SA newsletter so you don’t miss the latest news and events happening in South Australia.

Download the IGNITION SA Program guide and information here.

Presented by Creative Plus Business with support from the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.

PORT ADELAIDE: Wellbeing Basics for Creatives
2026-04-11 09:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
BOOK NOW (via Humanitix)

Using creativity for professional work is both rewarding and taxing. Making money from our passion is a privilege, but burnout is a reality. ‘Wellbeing Basics for Creatives’ full day workshop discusses at length how creatives can maintain relative balance between flourishing and falling, while safeguarding inspiration. We also explore practical ways to introduce the concepts of kindness and care into every element of a creative process and organisation.

+ Wellbeing: We’ll explore how physical, mental, and emotional well-being are all interconnected and crucial for creative success.+ Creative Wellbeing: Discover how self-care extends to nurturing your creative spark.+ Creative Illness: Learn to identify and overcome roadblocks like imposter syndrome and self-sabotage that can hinder your progress.+ Burnout: Understand the signs and impacts of burnout on creatives and develop strategies to prevent it.+ Actionable Techniques: Walk away with practical tools to safeguard your creative wellbeing and integrate it seamlessly into your daily professional life.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

WHAT’S IGNITION SA?IGNITION SA is a new program of learning opportunities, mentoring, resources, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of South Australia’s creative professionals.

Every participant in IGNITION SA Events gets lifetime access to a dedicated Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links, practical Workbooks to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops, access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop AND the rest of the IGNITION SA program!

DOWNLOAD THE IGNITION SA PROGRAM GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILS

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

BOOK NOW (via Humanitix)

VENUE: Vitalstatistix, Waterside Workers Hall, 11 Nile Street, Port Adelaide SA 5015Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Want to know more about IGNITION SA?

Visit the IGNITION SA webpage here, where you can also sign up to the IGNITION SA newsletter so you don’t miss the latest news and events happening in South Australia.

Download the IGNITION SA Program guide and information here.

Presented by Creative Plus Business with support from the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.

FREE WEBINAR: How Did We Get Here? A Decade in Business
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Creative Plus Business is ten years old, and we want to talk about it.

How Did We Get Here? is a look behind the scenes of what it truly means to be in creative business for a decade or more, featuring a roundtable conversation with three other orgs and industry leaders that have successfully navigated a decade of operation.

We’ll reflect on what’s worked, what hasn’t, what we’ve learned, and what advice we would give to others. This isn’t a highlight reel; it’s an honest look at the mechanics of longevity in our chaotic creative industry.

Part of our Evening Education Series. The series is delivered as part of our commitment as a Social Enterprise to devote at least 50% of our profit to making programs and education free or heavily subsidised for creatives and arts organisations.

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW

Special Guest Panellists

Kate Baggerson – Everybody NOW!

Kate is a highly experienced executive leader in the arts and cultural sector, having worked across a range of arts organisations, not-for-profits and community cultural development initiatives Australia wide. She is the Co-Founder, Executive Director and Board Director of Gold Coast-based participatory arts company Everybody NOW, where she has strategically guided the organisation through a highly successful period of growth since formation in 2015, reaching over 60,000 people in 200 communities across Australia.

Nick Bolton – Ten Alphas

Nick is an award-winning all-media producer. He has provided strategic thinking, content production and distribution for clients in the government, corporate and enterprise sectors. He has also written, directed and produced a wide variety of screen content. Nick is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Ten Alphas, a production company based in Sydney and Wollongong. He also works as an actor and presenter in a wide range of screen content and theatrical productions.

Andy Turner – MTNS Made

MTNS MADE supports and promotes the creative economy of the Blue Mountains through a membership platform, partnerships, promotions and events. In addition MTNS MADE facilitates tailored programs to develop emerging creative economies of the Blue Mountains. Over ten years, the organisation has become a successfully critical part of supporting and growing the creative industries in the Blue Mountains region.

What’s Included?A 60 minute webinar with a creative industries expert (which you can access later if you want) plus materials to help make the most of what you learn on the night.

Who’s it for?Creative and arts practitioners, freelancers, start-ups, and arts entrepreneurs from beginners to established (international sign-ups welcome!).

Who is the Host? Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What’s Creative Plus Business? We’re a national social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This webinar will be provided via Crowdcast. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. Click the Register Now link below to reserve your place now.

REGISTER FOR FREE VIA CROWDCAST

Creative Brimbank: Tax Time for Creatives
2026-04-20 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney)
This is a CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS event as part of INfuse, made possible by Creative Brimbank.

All creatives, arts organisations and small businesses need to understand how their tax rights and responsibilities work – but it’s all so boring! And where to begin?

Tax is painful but an inevitable part of surviving and thriving in the creative industries. Managing the annual and ongoing obligations of tax as a creative means getting an understanding what’s involved in the first place, getting organised, and learning about the unique position that creative professionals hold in the Australian tax landscape. It’s not fun, but a few simple tips and tricks (and a friendly face) can help. ‘Tax Time for Creatives’ is a FREE workshop that covers the basics of how tax works for creative professionals, the intersection between individual tax and small business, and how key creative tax rulings can help creative practitioners in the tax world.

BOOK NOW

With a specific focus on the arts and creative industries, this workshop will cover:+ Understanding what basics of how tax works – jargon, income, expenses, and what to pay.+ How to calculate ‘taxable income’ and ‘assessable income’.+ The key creative tax rulings, and what they mean in practical terms. + Hobby vs Business, how to work it out, and why it matters. + The basics of tax deductions and how to figure out what you’re entitled to.+ Easy tips and tricks for getting organisation, record keeping, and cloud accounting platforms. + Where to get help – an introduction to the ‘Groovy Accountants’.

‘Tax Time for Creatives’ is a collaborative workshop and participants will be encouraged to ask questions, share experiences and ideas, make connections and foster peer relationships.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshop.+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring, and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

What is INfuse?Creative Brimbank’s INfuse program connects the creative community in the Brimbank City Council area through workshops, artist talks and presentations, providing training and inspiration for artists.Accessibility: if you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Location: This workshop will be delivered online via Zoom. A link and instructions will be sent prior to the event.

Cost: $10 with options for those experiencing financial hardship.BOOK NOW

Online: Funding Fundamentals Workshop
2026-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
A workshop dedicated to the basics of how to write, manage and maintain funding.

Grants, funding, procurement, scholarships and awards are often held up as the holy grail of a successful arts career, but this revenue stream also takes hard work, dedication and patience. After all, there’s no such thing as ‘free money’.

Funding Fundamentals is a workshop showcasing the basics of preparation, application, and acquittal for any kind of funding, as well as getting organised for future applications. It’s packed with information and suitable for novices and more experienced funding-seekers alike. There is always more to learn about funding!

REGISTER NOW

You will learn the following, with a special focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The different kinds of funding available, from grants to procurement and more.+ Creating a Funding Folder and Deadline Calendar for regular applications.+ Writing the Application – and avoiding the most common errors.+ Getting the money right, with budgeting and income (including templates).+ The Acquittal Process – and how to recover from setbacks.+ The five main ways to avoid ‘failing’ at funding.

What do I get?All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Downloadable templates and project plans.+ A guide to auspicing and where to look for help.+ Writing tips and examples.+ Case Studies.+ Guides for how to prepare for acquittals.

Plus you’ll also get…+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Cat Dibley – Cat Dibley is a national and international creative producer with over 10 years’ experience producing dance, theatre, tours, and festivals. She has worked at major theatre companies across Australia, Europe, and the US and founded a theatre company in 2011, producing many shows under this banner for mainstage companies, festivals, and large-scale national tours. Cat has worked as a creative consultant, story producer, screen development producer, educator and mentor.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Cost: Registration for Funding Fundamentals is $47 incl GST. No Booking Fee is charged for registrations to our workshops.

This workshop will take place online and is open to anyone in Australia or internationally. You will receive a link to the workshop in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop.

REGISTER NOW

FREE WEBINAR: Super for Creatives
2026-05-13 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Sydney)
You’re entitled to super and you may not even know it!

Most people working in the creative industries are entitled to superannuation, even when they work with an ABN. That’s been the case for some time, but the majority of creatives are unaware of this rule. There are other changes on the horizon, especially if you have to pay other people – and yes, the contractor rule applies then too!

This FREE webinar – Superannuation for Creatives – will go through the rules around the super that you’re entitled to, how to check, what to do if you think you should have been paid, and how to pay other people.

In this webinar we’ll discuss:

The basics – what is super, and how does it work?

Who pays super, and when it’s due, and the changes coming.

How to work out if you’re entitled to super.

What to do if someone owes you super.

What to do when you have to pay other people.

Part of our Evening Education Series. The series is delivered as part of our commitment as a Social Enterprise to devote at least 50% of our profit to making programs and education free or heavily subsidised for creatives and arts organisations.

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW VIA CROWDCAST

What’s Included?A 60 minute webinar with our creative industries expert (which you can access later if you want) plus lifetime access to additional resources.

Who’s it for?Creative and arts practitioners, freelancers, start-ups, small arts organisations, and arts entrepreneurs from beginners to established (international sign-ups welcome!).

Who is the host?Monica Davidson – Monica is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about business skills, financial literacy, wellbeing, and marketing.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This webinar will be provided via Crowdcast. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. Click the link below to reserve your place now.

REGISTER FOR FREE VIA CROWDCAST

New to CROWDCAST? Check out our handy ‘How to register and use Crowdcast’ Guide here.

Adelaide: IGNITION SA Business Basics for Screen Creatives
2026-05-14 09:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
REGISTER NOW

Business Basics for Screen Creatives is a fun and practical full-day workshop that covers all the essentials a creative needs to get the basics of business right and avoid some of the most common pitfalls that screen creatives can experience when entering the world of self-employment, small business, and freelancing.

It also covers the legal necessities of running a professional practice and creates a safe friendly safe space where the mysteries of creative business are unravelled.

Tailored to screen professionals and creatives, participants will learn the following:

+ Setting goals and making a plan for your start-up journey,+ The basics of business including ABNs, structures, business names and licences,+ The legal steps to registering your business,+ Getting ready for managing the money,+ Preparing for marketing and promotion,+ Where to go for more help.

Who is presenting?

Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

WHAT’S IGNITION SA?

IGNITION SA is a multi-year program of learning opportunities, mentoring, resources, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of South Australia’s creative professionals.

Every participant in IGNITION SA Events gets lifetime access to a dedicated Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links, practical Workbooks to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops, access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop AND the rest of the IGNITION SA program!

DOWNLOAD THE IGNITION SA PROGRAM GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILS

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?

We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

REGISTER NOW

VENUE: The Mercury, 13 Morphett St, Adelaide SA 5000, AustraliaAccessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Want to know more about IGNITION SA?

Visit the IGNITION SA webpage here, where you can also sign up to the IGNITION SA newsletter so you don’t miss the latest news and events happening in South Australia.

Download the IGNITION SA Program guide and information here.

Presented by Creative Plus Business in partnership with The Mercury. IGNITION SA is made possible with support from the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.

THRIVE SYDNEY: The Future of Creative Workplaces
2026-05-14 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Sydney)
REGISTER FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Join us for the next THRIVE CONNECT meetup, an evening of practical insights, tools and connections to support your work in the creative industries.

Understanding workplace responsibilities, navigating contracts, or knowing where to go for support can feel complex, especially in freelance or project-based work. This session brings together two leading organisations to make it simpler.

Hear from experts at Creative Workplaces and Support Act as they share practical, free resources to help you build fair, safe and respectful workplaces, and sustain your own Wellbeing.

What you’ll learn…

+ How to navigate workplace responsibilities with confidence.+ Where to find trusted, practical resources (at no cost).+ How to manage workplace pressure and psychosocial risks.+ How to access support services and build healthier work practices.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Monique Williams (Creative Workplaces/Creative Australia): With over 15 years of experience, Monique will showcase key tools and resources available through Creative Workplaces, including guidance on workplace responsibilities and practical templates to support fair, safe and respectful work.

Dr. Ash King (Support Act): As a psychologist and creative, Ash blends clinical expertise with lived experience in the arts. She will deliver practical strategies to navigate workplace pressure, manage psychosocial hazards, and build healthier cultures. You will also learn how to access the Wellbeing Helpline and other training resources.

ABOUT THRIVE CONNECT EVENTS

These are a quarterly series of meaningful meetups that combine networking with skills development and panel discussions on key topics affecting the creative industries. Made for creative practitioners, artists, innovators, and small businesses, each event is hosted at hubs and venues across the Sydney CBD. Every meetup includes a guest speaker and theme, along with suggested conversation topics to make networking easier and connections more interesting.

Registration is FREE and every THRIVE CONNECT includes plenty of time for networking (nibbles included). Every attendee will also receive an invitation to the THRIVE Toolkit and THRIVE private LinkedIn group.

Venue: The Commons George Street, 388 George Street Sydney CBD. The event will take place in the main community area on Level 2.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL AND FREE – CLICK HERE

WHAT’S THRIVE?THRIVE SYDNEY is a program of events, mentoring, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of Sydney’s artists and creative community. Supported by the City of Sydney and produced by Creative Plus Business, THRIVE brings to the city four initiatives to help creative professionals and artists come together, hear from inspiring industry leaders, access free professional development opportunities, and build new creative and professional networks.

DOWNLOAD THE THRIVE GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILSWHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?Creative Plus Business is a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

ACCESSIBILITYIf you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com.

Entry is via main entry, and there is both stair and elevator access to Level 2. To find the building look for the Cartier store on George Street. The entrance is located through the rotating glass doors or wheelchair door to the left of the store. Head through the foyer and look for the stairs to the right of the elevators. A C+B team member will help direct you to the event space.

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHYPlease note that photographs may be taken during the event by the Thrive Sydney team. If you do not wish to be photographed please let our team know upon arrival.

Want to know more about THRIVE?

Visit the Thrive website here.

ADELAIDE HILLS: IGNITION SA Marketing Basics for Creatives
2026-05-15 09:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Produced by Creative Plus Business, IGNITION SA brings to South Australia four initiatives to help creative businesses and arts professionals come together to learn, access professional development opportunities, gain mentorship and guidance, and build new creative and professional networks.REGISTER FOR FREE NOW

Marketing is one of the most despised and least understood aspects of running a creative business, but there is a simple solution – take out the sales and focus on the strategy. ‘Marketing Basics for Creatives’ is a whole day workshop that looks at a practical and simple six-step marketing approach that has been specifically designed by creatives to take the pain out of promotion. We’ll also take a deep dive into digital marketing and old-school tactics.

You will learn about the following: + Re-imagining traditional marketing in a way that makes sense for creativity and the arts.+ Getting the foundational elements of “YOU” marketing right, without the terror of a deadline. + Understating the breadth of our ‘customers’, from clients to funding bodies to audience.+ Knowing and learning from our peers, and from word-of-mouth.+ Choosing the best digital and ‘old school’ tactics to help achieve your marketing goals.

Who is presenting?

Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

WHAT’S IGNITION SA?

IGNITION SA is a new program of learning opportunities, mentoring, resources, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of South Australia’s creative professionals.

Every participant in IGNITION SA Events gets lifetime access to a dedicated Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links, practical Workbooks to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops, access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop AND the rest of the IGNITION SA program!

DOWNLOAD THE IGNITION SA PROGRAM GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILS

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?

We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW

VENUE: Fabrik Arts + Heritage, Lobethal Woollen Mill, 1 Lobethal Road, Lobethal SA 5241Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Want to know more about IGNITION SA?

Visit the IGNITION SA webpage here, where you can also sign up to the IGNITION SA newsletter so you don’t miss the latest news and events happening in South Australia.

Download the IGNITION SA Program guide and information here.

Presented by Creative Plus Business with support from the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.

ADELAIDE HILLS: Wellbeing Basics for Creatives
2026-05-16 09:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Produced by Creative Plus Business, IGNITION SA brings to South Australia four initiatives to help creative businesses and arts professionals come together to learn, access professional development opportunities, gain mentorship and guidance, and build new creative and professional networks.BOOK NOW

Using creativity for professional work is both rewarding and taxing. Making money from our passion is a privilege, but burnout is a reality. The Wellbeing Basics for Creatives full day workshop discusses at length how creatives can maintain relative balance between flourishing and falling, while safeguarding inspiration. We also explore practical ways to introduce the concepts of kindness and care into every element of a creative process and organisation.

+ Wellbeing: We’ll explore how physical, mental, and emotional well-being are all interconnected and crucial for creative success.+ Creative Wellbeing: Discover how self-care extends to nurturing your creative spark.+ Creative Illness: Learn to identify and overcome roadblocks like imposter syndrome and self-sabotage that can hinder your progress.+ Burnout: Understand the signs and impacts of burnout on creatives and develop strategies to prevent it.+ Actionable Techniques: Walk away with practical tools to safeguard your creative wellbeing and integrate it seamlessly into your daily professional life.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

WHAT’S IGNITION SA?IGNITION SA is a new program of learning opportunities, mentoring, resources, and online experiences designed to enhance the professional development and wellbeing of South Australia’s creative professionals.

Every participant in IGNITION SA Events gets lifetime access to a dedicated Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links, practical Workbooks to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops, access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop AND the rest of the IGNITION SA program!

DOWNLOAD THE IGNITION SA PROGRAM GUIDE FOR FULL DETAILS

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

BOOK NOW

VENUE: Fabrik Arts + Heritage, Lobethal Woollen Mill, 1 Lobethal Road, Lobethal SA 5241Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Want to know more about IGNITION SA?

Visit the IGNITION SA webpage here, where you can also sign up to the IGNITION SA newsletter so you don’t miss the latest news and events happening in South Australia.

Presented by Creative Plus Business with support from the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.

Melbourne: The Art of Law
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
This is a CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS event as part of the Moonee Valley Artists Acelerate program.

Every creative needs to know the basic legal essentials to help them understand intellectual property, contracts and more, as well as the best places to go for help.

Understanding legal rights and responsibilities might not be the most interesting aspect of professional creativity, but managing the basics is essential to surviving and thriving as an artist and creator.

The Art of Law is a relaxed and friendly workshop that covers those necessary basics, that will help participants avoid most common pitfalls when making professional relationships with customers and clients. In this workshop, every question is a good question, and we’ll also share more details about where to go for help, and what resources are available to empower creatives to manage the basics of their own legal affairs.

With a specific focus on the arts and creative industries, this workshop covers:

The basics of intellectual property and why it’s important.

Who owns copyright and using the work of others.

Creating contracts to protect professional relationships.

The three essential elements of moral rights law.

Understanding the importance of confidentiality law.

Resources from the Arts Law Centre of Australia, the Copyright Council and other leading legal organisations will be shared, including links for legal assistance.

BOOK NOW

Plus you’ll also get…+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.Accessibility: if you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Location: Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

Cost: $10 with options for those experiencing financial hardship.

BOOK NOW

Mandurah: Creative Business Basics Workshop Day
2026-05-23 09:00 - 16:30 (Australia/Sydney)
REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE NOW

Learn the basic skills needed to start your professional creative career in this one-day offering by Creative Plus Business.

Creative Business Basics was designed by creative professionals to help those just starting their enterprise, emerging artists, recent graduates, and curious freelancers needing a business check-in.

This one-day workshop provides an entertaining and accessible insight into the basics of small business or self-employment, and how to avoid common pitfalls that artists or creatives can fall into when starting their journey.

Creative Plus Business promise a safe space to ask questions; where the mysteries of creative business become a little clearer – all with a specific focus on arts practice and the realities of a creative life.

Some of the topics will include:

+ Setting goals and creating a strategic plan+ ABN’s, including how to obtain one+ Legal structure, business names and licensing requirements+ Time management strategies, and adapting them to work for you+ Adapting a business plan template to your needs+ Understanding what to do next

Participants will not only leave feeling more confident in their ability to start a creative enterprise, they will also receive lifetime access to carefully crafted resources by Creative Plus Business, to continue providing support and guidance long after the event.

This workshop day is catered with tea, coffee and a light lunch included in the ticket-price.

REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE NOW

Participants Also Get+ Templates, Guides, and Tools to use on the day and in your business or practice.+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: The workshop is wheelchair accessible. if you have any other access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Cost: Registration for Funding Fundamentals is $60 incl GST.

This workshop is presented by Creative Plus Business as part of the City of Mandurah’s Creative Learning Calendar program.

REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE NOW

Mandurah: Managing Creative Money Workshop Day
2026-05-24 09:00 - 16:30 (Australia/Sydney)
REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE NOW

Demystify the scary world of financial literacy in this one-day workshop for artists, by Creative Plus Business.

Managing Creative Money is a surprisingly fun and practical day that covers the basics of financial literacy, and fights finance fears with a range of tips and insights plus knowledge of the real-world complexities of managing money in a professional arts practice or creative business.

Creatives have unique financial needs and challenges associated with their professional practice, and require specialise knowledge to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This one-day offering will tackle subjects, tools and systems to empower artists or those in creative fields to confident in their financial decisions.

Participants will learn how to:

+ Understand and adapt cost-benefit analysis tools+ Learn about cashflow and recognise financial patterns+ Manage inconsistent income cycles+ Consider creative and non-creative revenue streams+ Determine appropriate pricing strategies+ Adopt financial management systems and processes

Along with the skills gained throughout the day, participants will also receive lifetime access to carefully crafted resources by Creative Plus Business, to continue providing support and guidance long after the event.

This workshop day is catered with tea, coffee and a light lunch included in the ticket-price.

REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE NOW

Participants Also Get+ Templates, Guides, and Tools to use on the day and in your business or practice.+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: The workshop is wheelchair accessible. if you have any other access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Cost: Registration for Funding Fundamentals is $60 incl GST.

This workshop is presented by Creative Plus Business as part of the City of Mandurah’s Creative Learning Calendar program.

REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE NOW

Byron Bay: Screen Artselerate 2026
2026-05-29 09:30 - 2026-06-27 16:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
SUBMIT YOUR EOI & REGISTRATION HERE

SCREEN ARTSELERATE NSW is a unique in-person program specifically for screen practitioners that combines all the benefits of a business incubator, start-up accelerator, creative collaboration and networking opportunity. The outcome is a fast and practical approach to business and strategic planning for filmmakers who are building their careers and making their own work.

SCREEN ARTSELERATE NSW helps participants devise practical goals for their screen businesses and creative careers, with realistic actions ready to be implemented, and creates a continued connection with other screen professionals through a guided peer support program and ongoing connection to experts.

The program is open to all residents of NSW.

Dates: (you must be able to attend all dates listed below)

Friday 29th May, 9:00am to 4:30pm

Saturday 30th May, 10:30am to 3:30pm

Friday 26th June, 9:00am to 4:30pm

Saturday 27th June, 10:30am to 3:30pm

For More Information:

Download the Screen Artselerate Brochure (quick overview)

Download the Screen Artselerate Program

You must be a resident of NSW and over 18 to participate.

SUBMIT YOUR EOI & REGISTRATION HERE

SCREEN ARTSELERATE is a program designed for screen professionals at any stage of their development across NSW. Ideally, you are committed to improving your professional and creative capacity and developing your business and marketing skills in an accelerated way, through a practical approach. You also need to be engaged, enthusiastic, and willing to commit to participating in the whole program. That means all the in-person workshops and in-between meetings.

We actively encourage applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. We also welcome people of all genders.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

J’aimee Skippon-Volke

J’aimee is Festival Director of the Byron Bay International Film Festival, one of Australia’s longest-running independent regional film festivals, celebrating its 20th edition this October. J’aimee has been shaping the festival since its early years, working behind the scenes from 2005 before stepping into the Festival Director role in 2007. Over nearly two decades, she has helped guide BBFF through industry upheaval, funding pressures, natural disasters and major shifts in screen culture, with a leadership approach grounded in persistence, adaptability and long-term thinking.

From international television in London to independent film in Byron Bay, J’aimee’s career has unfolded across multiple creative and leadership roles during a period of enormous transformation across the screen industries, from analogue filmmaking and the rise of CGI through to digital platforms, VR and immersive storytelling. Her work spans festival direction, screen culture programming, audience development, creative production, strategic partnerships and regional advocacy.

She has been a strong advocate for emerging forms of storytelling while maintaining a clear focus on craft, audience experience and creative integrity. Her work has included the development of BBFF’s XR and immersive programs, including Australia’s first Federally funded VR arts initiative, as well as Make Diversity Reality, an XR accelerator supporting women and people from diverse backgrounds.

A passionate advocate for emerging talent and sustainable creative careers, J’aimee continues to champion filmmakers through long-term mentorship, industry connection and BBFF’s Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year competition.

Lois Randall

Lois is an award-winning Australian Producer and founder of Magpie Pictures. She was Producer and Executive Producer on Magpie Pictures’ series SWIFT STREET starring Tanzyn Crawford and Cliff Curtis, that had its world premiere at CANNESERIES 2024 before screening on SBS.

Other producing credits include Goalpost Pictures’ global hit series BLACK SNOW starring Travis Fimmel (Stan and Sundance Now), the Dollhouse feature SERIOUSLY RED, starring Rose Byrne, Magpie’s acclaimed children’s series GRACE BESIDE ME (NITV, ABC, Disney Channel) and Jon Bell’s ground-breaking First Nations drama series THE GODS OF WHEAT STREET for ABC.

Most recently Lois was Executive Producer on the ABC, NTIV and Screen Australia First Nations PROPER LOVED UP initiative, mentoring producers of five short rom-coms that will premiere at SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL 2026.

YOUR PROGRAM FACILITATOR

Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?

We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Screen Artselerate Byron Bay is presented by Creative Plus Business, with support from Screenworks. It is made possible with funding from the NSW Government through Screen NSW.

Online: The Art of Negotiation Workshop
2026-06-02 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Although we’d love art to ‘speak for itself’, sometimes we need to communicate, negotiate and manage the conflict that comes with creative professionalism.

Working professionally in the arts and creative sector means communicating with a diverse range of people across an array of complicated circumstances. Any ordinary day could include managing a new professional relationship, negotiating your fees, umpiring an argument or setting better boundaries for the work. Much of the time, we have no clues or tools to help us at all!

The Art of Negotiation is a practical workshop packed with real-life activities and fun challenges to help creatives learn the basics of negotiation and conflict resolution – all in the safety of a friendly workshop space.

REGISTER NOW

You will learn the following, with a special focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The basic elements of effective negotiating, for any professional circumstance.+ Different negotiating styles, and how to create a ‘win-win’ scenario.+ Understanding how to minimise the idea of a ‘zero sum game’.+ Tips and tricks on better ways to say NO.+ A visual aid to assist with mapping conflicts to achieve the best resolutions for all.

Practical exercises and ‘homework’ will be provided for all the discussed strategies.

What do I get?All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Contacts and support tools for participants who need more resources for mediation.+ Copies of leading texts covering business communication, active listening and mediation.+ A selection of reports and guides on the topic from Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation.

Plus you’ll also get…+ A practical workbook to help with elements of the workshop.+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Cost: Registration for Funding Fundamentals is $47 incl GST. No Booking Fee is charged for registrations to our workshops.

This workshop will take place online and is open to anyone in Australia or internationally. You will receive a link to the workshop in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop.

REGISTER NOW

Melbourne: Future Planning for Creatives
2026-06-04 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
This is a CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS event as part of the Moonee Valley Artists Accelerate program.—

A business or strategic plan is more than a way to make a bank or funder happy. It can be a truly invaluable tool to help you figure out where you’re going – and why.

Summarising your creative business or arts organisation into a written plan is a great idea, but without guidance it can become a stale and unused document that never gets implemented.

Future Planning for Creatives is an online workshop that reframes and explains the planning process in a way specifically designed for creative learners, with a focus on creating practical action plans that work. With plenty or templates and tools to discuss, this friendly and real-world workshop will help arts practitioners from beginners to more experience professionals.

REGISTER NOW

Participants will discuss the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The planning process in general, and how to understand the different types.+ A look at the ‘traditional’ business and strategic plan, and the sections to focus on.+ The importance of understanding the benefits of a vision, mission and values statement.+ Choosing the right template for your purposes.+ The reality of planning a professional approach with a busy personal life and artistic practice.

Resources and templates will also be provided for a variety of both business and strategic plans.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Templates for business, strategic, operational, and marketing plans – everything you need!+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Location: Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

Cost: $10 with options for those experiencing financial hardship.

REGISTER NOW

WEBINAR: Tax Time for Creatives
2026-06-10 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Sydney)
It’s June so that means it’s time to get your money stuff in order. It’s not much fun, but a few simple tips and tricks (and a friendly face) can help.

In this FREE webinar we’ll discuss the basics of how income tax works for creative practitioners. It’s a fast and friendly guide to how income tax works, how to navigate the different types of money you’ve made (and spent), and a few simple ideas to help you get organised in time for EOFY and take the terror out of tax. Go from chaos to clarity with the taming of your taxes! Join your fellow creatives and remember, you are not alone!

In this webinar we’ll discuss:

The absolute basics of how income tax works,

The creative tax rulings that you need to know,

The eternal question – Are you a hobby or a business?

How to work out your tax deductions (and why).

Easy tips and tricks for record-keeping,

Making better financial habits for next year,

Most importantly – where to go for more help!

Part of our Evening Education Series. The series is delivered as part of our commitment as a Social Enterprise to devote at least 50% of our profit to making programs and education free or heavily subsidised for creatives and arts organisations.

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW (Via Crowdcast)

What’s Included?A 60 minute webinar with our creative industries expert (which you can access later if you want) plus lifetime access to additional resources.

Who’s it for?Creative and arts practitioners, freelancers, start-ups, small arts organisations, and arts entrepreneurs from beginners to established (international sign-ups welcome!).

Who is the Host?Monica Davidson – Monica is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about business skills, financial literacy, wellbeing, and marketing.What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This webinar will be provided via Crowdcast. Click the link below to reserve your place.

REGISTER FOR FREE VIA CROWDCAST

New to CROWDCAST? Check out our handy ‘How to register and use Crowdcast’ Guide here.

Penrith: Funding Fundamentals Workshop
2026-06-11 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney)
A workshop dedicated to the basics of how to write, manage and maintain funding. Presented by Creative Plus Business for Penrith City Council’s Magnetic Places Artist Development Series.

Grants, funding, procurement, scholarships and awards are often held up as the holy grail of a successful arts career, but this revenue stream also takes hard work, dedication and patience. After all, there’s no such thing as ‘free money’.

Funding Fundamentals is a workshop showcasing the basics of preparation, application, and acquittal for any kind of funding, as well as getting organised for future applications. It’s packed with information and suitable for novices and more experienced funding-seekers alike. There is always more to learn about funding!

Best suited for artists and cultural practitioners of all skill levels and experiences.

Light catering will be provided.

REGISTER NOW

You will learn the following, with a special focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The different kinds of funding available, from grants to procurement and more.+ Creating a Funding Folder and Deadline Calendar for regular applications.+ Writing the Application – and avoiding the most common errors.+ Getting the money right, with budgeting and income (including templates).+ The Acquittal Process – and how to recover from setbacks.+ The five main ways to avoid ‘failing’ at funding.

What do I get?All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Downloadable templates and project plans.+ A guide to auspicing and where to look for help.+ Writing tips and examples.+ Case Studies.+ Guides for how to prepare for acquittals.

Plus you’ll also get…+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Cat Dibley – Cat Dibley is a national and international creative producer with over 10 years’ experience producing dance, theatre, tours, and festivals. She has worked at major theatre companies across Australia, Europe, and the US and founded a theatre company in 2011, producing many shows under this banner for mainstage companies, festivals, and large-scale national tours. Cat has worked as a creative consultant, story producer, screen development producer, educator and mentor.

What is the Magnetic Places Program?Produced by Penrith City Council, 5 professional development workshops have been curated for local artists and cultural practitioners looking to build knowledge and skills in the practice of community arts and cultural development (CACD) and seeking creative funding. These hands-on sessions will provide foundational skills and knowledge in CACD practice, guidance in how to develop a project proposal for the Magnetic Places Grants Program and legal rights and responsibilities when receiving public funding.

What is Creative Plus Businesss?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: access information, including travel directions, can be found here.

Cost: Registration is FREE thanks to Penrith City Council

Location: Nepean Room, Penrith Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith

REGISTER NOW

Inner West Creative Toolbox: Building Your Audience
2026-06-15 13:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Sydney)
Build your base. Find your fans.

Your work deserves an audience. This Learning Lab is all about building the bridge between your practice and the people you want to reach — from growing your profile and building your brand, to creating genuine connection, loyalty, and community around your work.

The day begins with a foundational 101 masterclass, before diving into three in-depth workshops exploring Community Engagement, Social Media, and Public Relations. You’ll then take the conversation further in our live case study roundtables, working through real-world challenges alongside industry experts and fellow creatives.

Whether you’re starting from scratch, building momentum, or refreshing your approach, Building Your Audience offers practical tools, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections for every stage of creative practice.

BOOK NOW VIA INNER WEST COUNCIL

ProgramTo view the full program visit the Inner West Council website here.

2:00pm : Masterclass: Audience with Cat Dibley

3:30pm : Bite Sized Talks

4:30pm : Workshop: Using Social Media with Monica Davidson

4:30pm : Workshop: Public Relations with Belinda Dyer

4:30pm : Workshop: Community Engagement with Wanyika Mshila

6:15pm : Case Study Round Table: Using Social Media with Robbi James

6:15pm : Case Study Round Table: Public Relations with Belinda Dyer

6:15pm : Case Study Round Table: Community Engagement with Wanyika Mshila

What is Creative Toolbox: Learning Labs?Shaped by feedback from the 2025 Creative Toolbox Symposium, these hands-on Learning Labs tackle the skills creatives told us they want most right now. From marketing, community building and PR, to grants, philanthropy and monetising your business, each Learning Lab features expert-led masterclasses, in-depth workshops, live case study roundtables, and opportunities to connect with fellow artists and industry experts. Whether you’re just starting out, building momentum, or ready for your next chapter, there’s something here for every stage of creative practice.

Presented by Inner West Council

Location: Marrickville Pavilion, Marrickville Library

Costs:

Masterclass – Free

Workshops – $10

Round Table Sessions – $5

BOOK NOW VIA INNER WEST COUNCIL

Inner West Creative Toolbox: Money Money Money!
2026-06-15 13:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Sydney)
Fund your future. Monetise your magic.

Money matters. This Learning Lab is designed to help you build the confidence, knowledge, and practical tools to fund your creative future.

The day begins with a foundational 101 masterclass focused on growing, managing, and diversifying your income, before moving into three in-depth workshops exploring Grant Writing, Monetising Your Creative Practice, and Philanthropy. You’ll then take your learning further in our live case study roundtables, unpacking real-world challenges alongside industry experts and fellow creatives.

Whether you’re applying for your first grant, exploring new income streams, or ready to take your fundraising to the next level, Money, Money, Money offers practical strategies, fresh thinking, and real-world advice for wherever you are in your creative career.

BOOK NOW VIA INNER WEST COUNCIL

ProgramTo view the full program visit the Inner West Council website here.

2:00pm : Masterclass: Money 101 with Thom Smyth

3:30pm : Bite Sized Talks

4:30pm : Workshop: How to Write a Grant with Gary Paramanathan

4:30pm : Workshop: Managing Your Finances as a Freelancer with Isabel Stanfield

4:30pm : Workshop: Philanthropy with Jake Shavakin

6:15pm : Case Study Round Table: How to Write a Grant with Gary Paramanathan

6:15pm : Case Study Round Table: Managing Your Finances as a Freelancer with Isabel Stanfield

6:15pm : Case Study Round Table: Philanthropy with Jake Shavakin

What is Creative Toolbox: Learning Labs?Shaped by feedback from the 2025 Creative Toolbox Symposium, these hands-on Learning Labs tackle the skills creatives told us they want most right now. From marketing, community building and PR, to grants, philanthropy and monetising your business, each Learning Lab features expert-led masterclasses, in-depth workshops, live case study roundtables, and opportunities to connect with fellow artists and industry experts. Whether you’re just starting out, building momentum, or ready for your next chapter, there’s something here for every stage of creative practice.

Presented by Inner West Council

Location: Marrickville Pavilion, Marrickville Library

Costs:

Masterclass – Free

Workshops – $10

Round Table Sessions – $5

BOOK NOW VIA INNER WEST COUNCIL

Melbourne: The Art of Negotiation Workshop
2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
This is a CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS event as part of the Moonee Valley Artists Acelerate program.—

Although we’d love art to ‘speak for itself’, sometimes we need to communicate, negotiate and manage the conflict that comes with creative professionalism.

Working professionally in the arts and creative sector means communicating with a diverse range of people across an array of complicated circumstances. Any ordinary day could include managing a new professional relationship, negotiating your fees, umpiring an argument or setting better boundaries for the work. Much of the time, we have no clues or tools to help us at all!

The Art of Negotiation is a practical workshop packed with real-life activities and fun challenges to help creatives learn the basics of negotiation and conflict resolution – all in the safety of a friendly workshop space.

REGISTER NOW

You will learn the following, with a special focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The basic elements of effective negotiating, for any professional circumstance.+ Different negotiating styles, and how to create a ‘win-win’ scenario.+ Understanding how to minimise the idea of a ‘zero sum game’.+ Tips and tricks on better ways to say NO.+ A visual aid to assist with mapping conflicts to achieve the best resolutions for all.

Practical exercises and ‘homework’ will be provided for all the discussed strategies.

What do I get?All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Contacts and support tools for participants who need more resources for mediation.+ Copies of leading texts covering business communication, active listening and mediation.+ A selection of reports and guides on the topic from Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation.

Plus you’ll also get…+ A practical workbook to help with elements of the workshop.+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ Information on how to access further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Location: Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

Cost: $10 with options for those experiencing financial hardship.

REGISTER NOW

Free Webinar: Monday Morning Meeting
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Want to improve your time management skills and be a better boss to yourself? Welcome to the magic of the…

MONDAY MORNING MEETING!

It’s sounds overly simple (and a bit naff), but in this FREE webinar we’ll share more about how this practical tool can help you to make the most of your week of creative self-employment, and teach you how to manage your time, energy and capacity.

REGISTER NOW

We’ll discuss:

What the MMM is, and where it started;

Rule 1: Make an Agenda;

Rule 2: Stick to the Time;

Understanding priorities and shifting your goals;

Capacity and Self-sabotage;

An information sheet for your own MMM Agenda.

What’s Included?A 60 minute webinar with our creative industries expert (which you can access later if you want) plus lifetime access to additional resources.

Who’s it for?Creative and arts practitioners, freelancers, start-ups, small arts organisations, and arts entrepreneurs from beginners to established (international sign-ups welcome!).

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson – Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.Accessibility: if you have any queries or access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This webinar will be provided via Crowdcast. Click the link below to reserve your place.

REGISTER FOR FREE VIA CROWDCAST

New to CROWDCAST? Check out our handy ‘How to register and use Crowdcast’ Guide here.
