“The action learning has been revolutionary.”
For multidisciplinary artist Virpi Kettu, joining The Artery’s program felt like a turning point. She had been deeply engaged with Skipton’s local creative industries through initiatives like Craven Arts. So when she learned about The Artery’s new program via email during lockdown, she knew she had to get involved. Virpi was motivated to join by the prospect of connecting with fellow creatives who shared her passion for making the region an even better place for entrepreneurship.
The Artery represented the perfect platform to grow her own business aspirations while surrounding herself with a purposeful, skills-developing community.
Her biggest takeaway was just how powerful a supportive group dynamic could be. Problems were so much easier to solve when surrounded by like-minded people undergoing similar situations who inherently understand what they are going through, especially on the business side. For her, these connections proved invaluable. Just being able to openly discuss issues and having a sense of community is vital when you’re an independent creative, otherwise it’s easy to feel isolated. The program’s action learning model, where peers worked together to troubleshoot challenges, was particularly impactful.
Tangible business outcomes like new commissions also emerged from her involvement with the Artery, including work opportunities through Karen herself. But most pivotally, she experienced a mindset shift around confidently managing her time and operations.
Virpi was able to be so much more productive and see the difference that made, before being part of this group and after. She now travels a transformed and empowered entrepreneurial path she’s grateful to be on.
