For those that don’t know me, hi! My name is Bucky. I’m a local artist and was appointed earlier this year as Ignite’s Community Manager. I’ve been an Ignite Member and Partner for years, I used to own a comic shop in Chelmsford, and I’ve got a wealth of experience building and maintaining awesome, grassroots communities.

I look after everything Ignite – from our members, to our social media, our website, events, Partners, and so much more. Ignite having a focused manager has been a long time coming, and I’m thrilled to take up the mantle.

In my time with Ignite, I’ve been gathering feedback about it’s structure and how it serves local creatives. I’ve undertaken lengthy discussions with folks at all levels to build a ‘bigger picture’ of Ignite’s influence and more importantly, it’s weak spots. Throughout these discussions, I’ve identified a few key points and subsequently developed some exciting new changes to tackle them, with a focus on (as requested) less talking, more action. 

With this in mind, as of today (Thurs 19th March,) we will be dissolving our current Partner structure and replacing it with Action Circles – dedicated focus groups that allow members of our community to enact positive change for the local creative community.

By making this change, we’re planning on putting the power in YOUR hands – If there’s something you’ve always wanted to develop with Chelmsford’s creativity and creative community at it’s forefront, now is your chance! These Action Circles will allow small groups (4-10 people) of focused creative people to come together and develop their ideas, seek collaboration and ultimately, drive results together.

Here’s how it works – Ignite Chelmsford will begin the process by structuring three initial Action Circles;

1. Seeking Creative Space
   • What is it? Finding small spaces across Chelmsford to display or showcase creative work. This could be a wall in a café, a temporary pop-up, or a collaboration with a local business.
   • Why? A way to display and support the local creative community without the complexities behind seeking a larger, permanent space, whilst also building the evidence for a permanent venue in the near future.
2. Fair Pay
   • What is it? Development of a fair pay policy for Ignite to make sure local creatives are appropriately paid for their work.
   • Why? This Fair Pay pledge will ultimately be passed along to Culture Chelmsford, who will influence the Cultural Compact Partners and other commissioning sectors to abide by the policy.
3. Made In Essex: County-Wide Skill Swap
   • What is it? Working in connection with Made In Essex to explore the possibility for county-wide skill swaps with other creative networks.
   • Why? Exploring strength in connection to develop personal practice and other related skills.

These three circles will run as a pilot for the new structure. In December 2026, we will hold an Ignite Member ‘Town Hall’ to reflect on the years successes, failures and developments, before forging ahead to look at 2027 collectively. Part of that reflection will build 2027’s circles – And allow our Members to build the priorities for the year ahead.

Alongside these initial Action Circles, we will be encouraging development of new, member-led ones using a ‘slot’ structure to maintain productivity and manage time and resources. These slots will become available as projects wrap up – for example, if the Fair Pay circle reaches it’s goal within 3 months, a slot will open up for a new circle developed by our members – that’s you!! Here’s how that process works:

1. A slot opens up for a new circle and you have an idea!
   First up, does it align to the specifications for a new Action Circle?
   All Action Circles must:
   • Align directly with Ignite’s mission.
   • Be creative in nature, or serve the local creative community.
   • Draw on the principles set out in the Cultural Strategy.
   • Respond to areas where there is genuine energy, need, and collective appetite within the membership.
   • Include a clear mechanism for reporting back to the wider group.
   • Utilise Culture Chelmsford as a route to access strategic support when required.
   • Open to regular review to assure action is progressing.
2. If it ticks all the boxes, it’s time to apply for the slot – this is super easy! Using our handy form, you’ll answer a series of questions about your proposed circle. These answers will form the basis of your Action Plan – the backbone of your Action Circle!
3. We will review your application, taking into account the above criteria, feasibility and the scope of the project.
4. If you are successful, Bucky will reach out and set up your virtual Action Circle via our Discord server. This gives you a ‘home base’ to easily connect with your engaged circle members, and also allows us to review and check in throughout the process.
5. It’s go time! Connect with your engaged Action Circle virtually and start making moves.

This is primarily a member-led initiative – Ignite won’t be planning your meetings or contacting folks on your behalf, it’s all down to you! But, part of your action plan will include regular reviews by Ignite, which may include us dropping in useful resources, contacts or ideas. You’ll also be encouraged to provide Bucky with updates or call-outs to be shared at our Social events and on our social media platforms.

Our intention is to enact positive, member-led, creative change in Chelmsford that tackles issues you want solved.

The three initial Action Circles will appear within the next few months, along with our brand new, updated website, overhauled social media and Member Discord server. Easy to follow user guides will also be provided for the Discord server to provide a smooth introduction to the platform.

We hope you’ll embrace the exciting new changes and help us develop Chelmsford’s creative footprint – As always, Bucky is available for any questions you may have at ku.gro.drofsmlehcetingi@olleh

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Bucky (they/them) is Ignite Chelmsford’s Community Manager. They’re an artist, writer and certified nuisance committed to growing and developing Chelmsford’s creative community.