“We set up the 2Networkers community to create a space where Manchester’s creative community can flourish”

The community is aimed at models, photographers, makeup artists, stylists, and creatives alike who want help breaking into the creative scene or growing their industry presence.

Their main goal is to increase industry diversity in the North of England by bridging the gap between amateurs and professionals and offering regular collaboration and networking opportunities within the Northern creative sphere.

The social community will come together to host regular events open to all levels of experience including networking nights where members can connect with like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and learn invaluable industry insight.

And they have already found a bustling community in Manchester, with more than 52 people showing up or their first event.

Their next event will be held on February 26th at the Photocove in New Islington.

The event is a studio takeover, where attendees will have two hours in a studio, working towards building a portfolio of their own work they can showcase to potential future employers.

There will also be a social area where people can mingle and make friends, with 75 people already down to attend.

You’ll get to meet and work with people from amateur and professional.

So no matter what your experience, come down.

Leading the movement are two Manchester-based creatives; current MMU student Aubrey T-W, 20, while the other is Allen White, 25, a self-taught photographer who has over five years professional experience.

We spoke to Allen White, who said told us about what they were trying to achieve with the group.

They said: “2Networkers is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where all members feel supported and comfortable sharing their work and ideas.

“Promoting diversity and inclusivity in the creative space is at the core of the company and will actively work with members to foster an environment that reflects that.

“The concept was born when several creatives expressed their concerns about feeling unsafe, uneasy, or having experienced harassment.

“By enabling people to express their creativity in a secure setting and by connecting them with trustworthy individuals, this new community aims to remove that barrier.

“We believe that the creative industry is strongest when we come together, share our skills and collaborate and our community provides a safe space where all creatives, regardless of their experience level or background, can come together and learn from one another.

We are excited to see the amazing work that will come out of this community.”

Allen continued: “We’re creating a community of people who all love being creative and are from all different backgrounds from amateurs to professionals. We are putting together social events where people who even are looking to just try something out can get involved in the group and learn all about it.

“We’re offering advice how to get into these industries and from basic level so nobody feels intimidated, where people can support each other and stay safe.

“Sometime’s it’s quite scary meeting random people off the internet in these industries so here, we can all go together as a community and give people an opportunity to try things out.

“It’s a networking and advice community really, allowing people to have opportunities to express themselves.

“We’ve got a studio event coming up but we also do social stuff at restaurants and bars, and looking forward we will also be hosting exhibitions of peoples work, hopefully with guest speakers too.

“We only started four weeks ago, but our numbers are already really high and we’re just looking to keep the project growing. So if you’re a creative, or are looking to get into these industries, why not come to one of our socials and see how you get on?

“We can help you build a portfolio of work to kickstart your career.

“It’s a safe and diverse space where you can really feel safe and express yourself.”