Finding a path in a sea of creatives: From an inspirational Media Cymru event

Ali Davenport, who just graduated with a degree in English from Chapman University in California specialising in journalism and a double minor in Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) and Environmental Studies, has penned a reflection on a Media Cymru event that she attended at the British Consulate in LA this spring. Ali writes:

“Media Cymru, which delivers creative projects that work with the main themes of environmental sustainability, global reach, equality, diversity and inclusion and economic growth, hosted a networking event for creatives of all kinds at the British Consulate General’s Residence in LA and through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at Chapman I had the opportunity to attend.

CCI has roots in arts and humanities exploring industries including fashion, film and television, music, museums, performing arts, publishing and tourism. With the rise of the digital economy, CCI also encompasses influencer culture and digital storytelling. Chapman’s Center for CCI and the Centre for the Creative Economy at Cardiff University have much in common.

As so many creative minds came together under one roof to learn from Media Cymru about its work across the Cardiff Capital Region in Wales, I was intimidated. I was nervous to speak up, but ended up talking to anyone that I could. I pushed myself because I knew this was a special moment where I could learn from excellent creative minds. The opportunity to ask people questions about their creative jobs made me excited and energized. It was exactly where I needed to be.

Going through college, I had trouble pinpointing specific jobs or paths I needed to take to get into a certain industry. As I came into my sophomore year, I recognized I wanted to go into something creative, I just didn’t know what. As a senior, though I love being a journalist and writing, I have realized I’m open to different industries and other creative jobs. Attending the Media Cymru event in Hollywood opened my eyes to see: people really do these kinds of exciting creative jobs. And so could I.

I didn’t know where I would fit in or find my place early in college, but as I have learned through CCI courses and fantastic creative networking opportunities like this – creative jobs make the world go round. We’re not limited to just one field. Being young means trying different things and soaking up information and knowledge from industry professionals you meet. At this event in Hollywood, I spoke to journalists, Netflix leaders, photographers and public relations experts. But all had the same advice in common: try everything and anything. Not one person I met had a straight path to success. They attempted different creative jobs until they found their way. Until they found their passion.

Media Cymru is an innovative programme making Wales a green, fair and sustainable media hub. As an environmental studies minor, I have learned how important it is for the creative economy to set sustainable goals for the future. For example, 92 million tons of textile waste are produced by the fashion industry annually. We must consider how to systemically change the economies our lives are built on to combat the increasing effects of climate change.

Speaking with industry experts at Media Cymru’s event opened my mind to creative possibilities and excited me about my future potential. I hope to work in media and editorial post-grad and am looking forward to the possibility of moving to New York to expose myself to opportunities in fashion journalism. Media Cymru sets an excellent standard for creatives everywhere with its local vision but global ambition.”

While visiting Chapman University’s Center for the Creative and Cultural Industries, Professor Justin Lewis and Professor Sara Pepper were interviewed by Pam Coelho for their Catalyst podcast in the episode Cardiff and Chapman Connect over CCI.

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Hear from the Welsh delegation who attended Media Cymru’s LA launch in this video