Snow and creativity a MTNS MADE hit

Keynote speakers Monica Davidson and Jess Scully

Jenny Kee, Jess Scully, Monica Davidson and a snow storm – there was a lot to be excited about for the nearly 100 people who braved the cold to attend the MTNS MADE Creative Industries Symposium on 24-25 June.

The Friday afternoon Masterclasses were a hit, with participants delving deeply into the topics of personal branding, grant writing and running a creative small business, before heading out to enjoy the snow that had blanketed the Fairmont Resort in Leura.

On Saturday, Aunty Sharyn Halls spoke about the importance of the arts to the local Indigenous community, and Mayor Mark Greenhill had the crowd in stitches with his musings on a ‘Blexit’ vote, before the first keynote speaker, Jess Scully, wowed the audience with stories from her impressive media and curatorial career, and her top tips for successful collaboration within the creative industries.

Illustrator Xandro Lombardi scribing the proceedings

Local illustrator Xandro Lombardi kept the crowd entertained all day with his live illustrations accompanying each talk and panel discussion, while our sponsors were swamped with questions and interest at each break. Justin Morrissey from Scenic World inspired many with his advice about how to participate in Sculptures at Scenic World; Carencia Harris from Western Sydney Business Centre outlined the multitude of business assistance available for creatives; and Kath Barcan from TAFE Western Sydney dazzled with examples of student work from the impressive range of courses on offer.

After lunch, Blackheath design icon Jenny Kee brought the audience to tears with incredible stories and images from her illustrious fashion career. Wrapping up the day, Monica Davidson from Creative + Business inspired the room with a feisty, passionate talk about the future of the creative industries.

It was a full house at the Fairmont Resort in Leura to hear keynote speaker Jess Scully.

According to participants, some of the highlights of the event were:

• “The seriousness and importance these industries are now given”
• “The Masterclass with Monica Davidson. Empathetic. Entertaining. Information laden. Fab.”
• “Jenny Kee selling raffle tickets….old school style”
• “The snow and Jess Scully’s presentation”

Some of the things participants took away from the event were:

• “To be confident in my skills as a creative and that I can learn the skills to run a business”
• “That we’re on the cusp of a creative industries boom (EXCITING!!)”
• “The validity of a career in the creative industries”
• “Hope and connections, ideas to follow up on”

And one final participant comment to wrap it up:

“Congratulations Kelly and team on a well organised symposium and excellent program with quality speakers, fresh juice and snow!!”

You can view the full image gallery here – and please feel free to tag yourself in the photos.

Thank you once again to sponsors Scenic World, Western Sydney Business Centre and TAFE Western Sydney, whose generous support made the event possible.