Earlier this month we held our first Sharing Day. Funding processes can feel competitive and isolating and often applicants get nothing at the end of it which can feel really demoralising. We try to do funding differently and aim for all groups to benefit from the process even if they don’t get funding. As well as inviting applicants to become the decision-makers we also organised a day where applicant groups could get to know each other and share skills and resources.

Around 30 people from over 20 groups came along to the event held at Sparks in Broadmead. After a round of introductions the group chose topics to discuss together, ranging from stability and burn out, how to promote their group, stigma, having difficult conversations, colonial mindsets and funding. They also all completed a form to share the needs of their group and what they could offer so this can be shared and people can be matched up to support each other. Many people said how grateful they were to be together with others working hard for their community and to know they were not alone – especially given the difficult times we are in. And it really is true that we can achieve so much more if come together and support each other.

Some comments about the day:

“Thanks for the day as it was really appreciated & really helped with the thinking process. It gave me personally more confidence that we are doing the right thing”.

“Thank you all for getting us together. This time round it feels like a real connection and by having this group we can share talk collaborate promote each other.. What Redistro do is really important for Bristol Artists and organisations that are always  working on a breadline  income or those just starting up and need a push. That little extra  help  from you guys does go along way thank you so much”.