A growing creative network led by lived experience, artistic ambition and collective care.
Less than 10% of people working in the creative industries come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. An inequity that continues to shape who gets to be seen, heard and supported.
The Creative Network exists to bring together artists and creatives with lived experience of homelessness, poverty and inequity. It is a space to build relationships, develop ideas, access opportunities and shape new stories together.
Too often, creatives with lived experience work in isolation, without access to the networks, visibility and opportunities that help careers grow. The Creative Network exists to change that. Through connection, collaboration and shared learning, members of the network can build meaningful creative relationships, unlock opportunities and strengthen their place within the wider cultural sector.
Who is the Creative Network for?
The Network is open to creatives who:
- Have lived experience of homelessness or poverty
- Are already working in the creative industries and building their careers across roles such as, but not exclusive to: acting, writing, directing, design, producing, stage management, production, marketing, and events.
By joining the network, you’ll become part of a community that receives regular news and opportunities, free events, and chances to connect with Citz, fellow creatives, and collaborators.
Our Values
We recognise lived experience of homelessness, poverty and inequity as knowledge and artistic strength - not something to be ashamed of.
We believe creativity thrives in community. We prioritise peer connection, mutual support and solidarity over competition, creating spaces where people can share knowledge, experiences and opportunities.
We understand that careers don’t follow straight lines, and that creative growth is often shaped by changing circumstances. We aim to create opportunities for people to take part in ways that work for them, staying connected to a wider creative community.
We value artistic excellence and rigour, supporting work of depth and craft without asking creatives to leave parts of themselves behind.
SHAPED BY CREATIVE COLLABORATION
Cardboard Citizens is uniquely placed to host a network for creatives with lived experience of homelessness and poverty.
For more than three decades, we have worked alongside people whose voices are too often excluded, stereotyped or overlooked within the cultural sector. Through our artistic work, partnerships and lived experience leadership, we have built trusted relationships with creatives across theatre, film, writing, performance and participatory arts.
Many creatives with lived experience are already making exceptional work. What is often missing is access to peer networks, visibility, industry connections and spaces where lived experience is recognised as a creative asset rather than a barrier. The Creative Network exists to help fill that gap.
