Leeds Creative TimeBank is a cash–free platform to facilitate skills exchange between creative individuals and groups in Leeds. The TimeBank will extend and broaden the existing riches of the mutual support and exchange of favours within the Leeds creative scene.


By formalising and facilitating the fair, free exchange of skills and knowledge we can collectively sustain action and activity within the cultural scene in Leeds - developing an alternative economy that allows individuals, to request, offer and pay for services in TimeBank hours.

 

Simply put, one member gives an hour of their time in skills exchange and in return receives a 'time-credit' - which they can then spend by asking for an hour of another member's time.


1hour = 1 time credit

 

Using the tried and tested TimeBank UK online database, members bank their 'time-credits' electronically, and spend them when needed. Alternatively, members can donate their 'time-credits' to another TimeBank member or contribute to the TimeBank community as a whole to build new projects

Trading in this time rich system Leeds Creative TimeBank will connect the right TimeBank members together, so that you can run and develop cultural projects without immediate cash resources.


You could be interested in the TimeBank if you are:

An established artist or someone new to the city
Recently graduated with a creative and design qualification in visual arts, performing arts, music, new media or design for example
Someone working in the wider creative industry such as an architect or designer, technician or photographer
Suppliers of services and goods to the creative sector
Cultural activists who seek to facilitate social change
People involved in the creative economy but who don't get paid (this possibly includes us all for some of the time)
Anyone else who wishes to further the core values.


So does this seem like a good idea to you? If so, please contact Michael Burkitt, as the Leeds Creative TimeBank Broker for more information on participating in its pilot phase.

 

www.leedscreativetimebank.co.uk