Networking is one of the most adult words in the dictionary, which naturally means that it is intimidating for most young adults (and older adults!). Especially for young creatives who are just now entering their careers (a year or two after being locked away at home due to the pandemic), networking may seem impossible to navigate. If you are lost in the world of networking and are looking for some guidance, it is your lucky day! I have compiled eight different creative resources which offer a plethora of opportunities for creatives looking to network and make connections within their field. Whether you are an artist, a podcaster, a writer, a musician, a stylist, or even a creator of a small business, I have the creative resources for you!
10 East Arts | 10 East Arts HUB | RE:Public
3137 East 10th Street | 2301 East 10th Street
10 East Arts provides a wide variety of events that serve as creative resources to the community. Together, their 10 East Arts HUB and RE:Public locations have hosted artmaking workshops, visual art exhibitions, art + vendor markets, open mic events, literary events, and fashion events. Whether it’s the Aurora Pop-Up Gallery + Party or the Gifted Gown Holiglitz Fashion & Shopping Soiree, there is an opportunity to network and connect for every creative.
Indy Maven | Maven Space
433 North Capitol Avenue Suite 100
Founder of the Maven Space, Leslie Bailey, describes the co-working space as “a gathering place for bold women.” Beautifully blending a work hub with a social club, Maven Space provides its members with the opportunity to work and connect with one another. With the purchase of a membership, Maven Space members have access to a gym + wellness center, mother’s room, content creation studio, ROOM phone booth, lending library, cafe, and event space.
$25 day pass | $195 monthly membership.
CreativeMornings | Indianapolis
Originally created in New York by Tina Roth Eisenberg, the founder of Swissmiss, CreativeMornings has migrated all the way to Indianapolis. One Friday a month, a local Indianapolis creative hosts a breakfast talk, which is free and open to the public. Indianapolis’s CreativeMornings attract creatives from all over the city, including us at PATTERN! Not only is this a great opportunity to hear a creative in your field’s personal experience, but also a fantastic event for networking. And if you miss it, no worries—recaps are often available on the CreativeMornings website, and we publish an interview with each month’s speaker right here on PATTERN Digital!
Tube Factory Artspace
1125 Cruft Street
Tube Factory Artspace serves as both an art museum and a community center that is open to the public. With amenities such as: rotating exhibits, interactive projects, indoor and outdoor community spaces, and a reference library; Tube Factory Artspace is a phenomenal place to connect and network with fellow creatives.
Admission is free, except for some events which may have ticket prices.
Indiana Writers Center
1125 East Brookside Avenue Suite B25
This Indiana Writers Center is housed here in Indy and is a great resource for literary events. The center also offers a variety of workshops and classes, where you can be taught and mentored by published authors and connect with fellow literary creatives.
PitchFeast Indy | Founders Peer Group
PitchFeast is an entrepreneur support organization, which provides support and training services to under-resourced BIPOC entrepreneurs. Under-resourced small business owners can join PitchFeast’s Founders Peer Group, which is a six-month program that brings business owners together in order to build a supportive network. Additionally, PitchFeast hosts several events for BIPOC entrepreneurs throughout the year, which are amazing opportunities to create connections.
Lightbound Studios | Indy Podcast Mixer
525 South Meridian Street
About once every other month, Lightbound Studios hosts an Indy Podcast Mixer, where Indy podcasters can network and make connections. These events are free of charge and a wonderful opportunity for those who are interested in the contemporary field of podcasting.
Soundspace | Soundspace HQ
1125 E Brookside Ave Suite B3
Soundspace HQ offers a wide range of amenities that allow for musicians to produce and record music, rehearse, and network with other musicians. Specifically, with a Connect membership, Soundspace HQ members can attend co-working and networking opportunities, have access to workshops and events, be able to book conference rooms, and have 24/7 access to the communal lounge.
Connect membership – $29 monthly
