WYCREATE

WYCreate is a brand new series of FREE training opportunities for creative freelancers * and microbusinesses ** in West Yorkshire.

The first phase of WYCreate delivered sector-specialist training to over 90 creative freelancers and microbusinesses between October and December. Our programme for 2025 includes an even wider range of courses, including:

  • Music Innovators workshops in Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield

  • A full-day workshop for creatives looking to develop immersive tech content and applications, delivered by the Academy of Live Technology in Production Park, Wakefield

  • New courses offering training in Opportunities in Creative Health, Innovation and sustainable use of materials and Sustainable business practices delivered by Everybody Arts in Halifax

  • Sustainable Creativity: Integrating Green Practices into Your Work

  • Two half-day workshops addressing major principles around Disability and accessibility, working with Disabled and LGBTQ+ artists and audiences

  • Business skills and leadership training tailored specifically for professionals in the creative sectors

  • Building skills in managing and building creative networks

  • Personalised coaching, training and access to funding for artists and cultural organisations

  • Business planning and access to funding for creatives

  • Digital empowerment: Building Skills in Data Collection, Audience Development, Programme Planning, and Evaluation

All training is FREE for artists, freelancers and microbusinesses (0-9 employees) based in West Yorkshire. Eligible artists and freelancers can benefit from financial support toward costs of travel and attendance.

Sign up to our newsletter below to be notified of other new training courses as they are confirmed.

Who is it for?

  • Creative industries freelancers and microbusinesses based in West Yorkshire

  • Creative industries graduates who are taking their first steps to establishing a business in West Yorkshire

We are particularly keen that this support is accessible to all West Yorkshire residents, including those from marginalised communities and those facing barriers to participation. Click here to see if you are eligible to receive additional financial support for training.

* Freelancer - You are a West Yorkshire resident who provides your creative skills and services as an individual to clients on a project-by-project basis.

** Microbusiness - You run, are a partner in or are an employee of a West Yorkshire-based creative organisation with fewer than nine employees.

Link to Eligibility and FAQs

  • Courses for Freelancers and Microbusinesses

    Courses include:
    Core business support sessions on freelancing and running a micro-business within the creative industries including:

    Freelance foundations
    Building credibility and visibility as a freelancer
    Business planning and contracting
    Finance and revenue diversification

    Masterclasses 
    Branding and content creation
    Music
    AI in your creative business
    XR

    Learn more

  • WYCREATE events

    The WYCreate programme is now delivering a region-wide suite of FREE training for creative freelancers and microbusinesses in West Yorkshire.

    If you're a freelancer, this programme is designed to develop your career and diversify your revenue.

    For businesses, WYCreate will help increase the resilience and growth of your business and help to upskill your creative team.

    We have collected events and training specially aimed at you to support your business journey.

    Learn more

Partner Networks

Our region is host to a number of creative sector networks that offer a range of support, including meet-ups and peer-learning sessions. WY Create is working closely with each network, supporting them to share knowledge and learnings between them, to encourage best practice. Find your nearest network, and discover lots more resources:

•           Bradford - Bradford Cultural Voice Forum

•           Calderdale - Calderdale Creates

•           Kirklees - Wilson's Republic

•           Leeds - Arts Together

•           Wakefield - Creative Wakefield