Our first meetup: Creative Collaborations

Nearly 100 of us gathered in the Waterstones basement for drinks, laughs, story-sharing and a brilliant panel of collaborative creative professionals who cannot be stopped by funding, freak-outs, or other people’s parameters.

Nearly 100 of us gathered in the Waterstones basement for drinks, laughs, story-sharing and a brilliant panel of collaborative creative professionals who cannot be stopped by funding, freak-outs, or other people’s parameters.

The room buzzed with multi-disciplinary creatives (some disciplines we didn’t even know about!), creative organisations, an amazing panel, and–of course–us, right in the throes of your amazing creative energy. We’re beyond inspired to witness Zealous in person: collaborative, energised, ready for the next project. The evening was a flurry of business cards, giggles, new hellos, and genuine enthusiasm for one another’s work.

The Panel

Our panel – one filmmaker, one choreographer, and one painter (all of whom collaborated on a short film after meeting at Zealous X) – imbued a determination and transparency in us all, confessing the importance of failure, their weirdest gigs, and why friend-making matters.

James recalled shooting Hong Kong action remakes with his best friend in a Dorset car park (“Of course we were in our own films … we didn’t know.”)

Rhiannon described using dance theatre as therapy to work through her own “Scary Shit” (prior to the show, she dreaded telephone calls with the very organisations that make her work possible – performance venues, art grants, etc.).

Merlyn described his journey through an “Imaginary Art Degree” (quoting Good Will Hunting along the way: “You wasted $150,000 on an education you coulda got for $1.50 in late fees at the public library.”).

The Connections

All in all, it was an amazing night. Actors met filmmakers who met directors and models who also sing and connected with graphic designers and writers. We left no stone unturned (and no bottle empty). It was a glorious evening surrounded by books, big laughs, and truthfulness.

We had a blast at this pilot event!

Charlotte Lynch

Ex-Marketing Manager


Let us know you want us to write more content like this with a love!

More Insights
  • Sadman Sakib: A Photographer’s Vision of the Human Spirit

    Sadman Sakib: A Photographer’s Vision of the Human Spirit

    In the world of portrait photography, few artists challenge conventional perspectives as powerfully as Sadman Sakib. This Bangladeshi photographer has carved out a distinctive niche in the art world through his compelling portraits of amputees – work that transcends traditional boundaries between documentary photography and fine art.

    Read more

  • Katie Surridge: From Award-Winning Art to Environmental Revolution

    Katie Surridge: From Award-Winning Art to Environmental Revolution

    In a world where smartphones are replaced every two years and laptops become obsolete overnight, Surridge’s work excavates the hidden stories buried within our discarded devices. Her innovative approach doesn’t just highlight the problem—it reimagines solutions, turning toxic tech waste into transformative art that inspires action.

    Read more

  • What does the future look like according to 500 creatives?

    What does the future look like according to 500 creatives?

    Discover how 500+ creatives envision the future through sustainable practices, collaboration with technology, amplifying marginalized voices, and transforming education.

    Read more