Over 125 creative professionals are set to descend upon the University of Huddersfield as a popular creative event has sold out during its return to the town – with two key speakers revealed.
Wilson’s Republic, a well-known not-for-profit creative network set up by Huddersfield-based designers Aidan Nolan, of A.N.D Studio, and The Engine Room’s founder Darren Evans, is gearing up for its seventh event entitled WR7: Beginnings.
It’s the first time in two years that the network has met following the success of Huddersfield’s first design conference, WRConf, in October 2017. Ticket sales have maxed out following the announcement of two stalwart speakers from Yorkshire’s design community.
Headliner Michael C Place is the founder of Leeds-based, award-winning creative agency Studio.Build – a pioneering brand with an international reputation having worked with Nike, Levi’s and Nokia.
Meanwhile, fellow guest speaker Rob Walker – of Signs by Umberto – is a sign-writer specialising in reverse glass sign making in Huddersfield, and an associate lecturer in graphic design at the town’s university.
Following its ongoing popularity, the event – which invites creative practitioners from all disciplines including design, art, photography, music, fashion and digital – is set to become a more regular bi-calendar event.
“We were blown away by the support that WRConf received from the creative community and we were really proud of how successful it was. Since then, we’ve had lots of people asking when the next event was happening, so we decided it was probably time to bring it back to meet the demand,” explained Aidan.
“We’re delighted to have Rob and Michael as our key speakers and overwhelmed by the response to our ‘reunion’ – we can’t wait to welcome everyone on the night. Huddersfield has an unbelievable amount of world-class creative talent that the town should be really proud of, and to have over 100 of us together for the event is amazing.”
First founded in 2015, Wilson’s Republic exists to provide a voice for Huddersfield’s creative community. Following its humble beginnings, the brand has since been incorporated as a Community Interest Company– with all profits being reinvested into staging bigger and better events.
“It’s come a long way since we first dipped our toes in the water. The appetite has never wavered either, so it made sense for us to make this official and incorporate as business. We’re on with exploring funding opportunities and welcome people to get in touch,” Darren added.
“Wilson’s should be something the community feels like it ‘owns’. It’s a brand that not only provides free learning events with engaging experts but delivers sessions that should help to inspire ideas, energise creative debate and drum up engaging discussion.”
WR7: Beginnings takes place in the Barbara Hepworth Building at the University of Huddersfield, on 20th February, from 6pm-9.30pm. People can still register for the waiting list HERE. Keep up to date via Twitter @wilsonsrepublic #WR7 and Instagram @wilsons.republic
