The State of Play (How to Think Like a Kid Again)
On 16 and 17 September, Creative Cardiff is working in partnership with grassroots music and coworking venue The Canopi to host fringe activity as part of Media Cymru's PLAYBACK festival.
This event will form part of this wider programme of activity at The Canopi on Tudor Street, Cardiff, all related to the theme of 'play'.
The State of Play (How to Think Like a Kid Again)
In this two hour workshop with creativity expert Richard Holman you’ll discover exactly why we’re so creative as kids - and how to return once more to a childlike way of being. With the help of the latest research into creativity and neuroscience, as well as some surprising stories about how great artists make their work, we’ll explore why it’s good to allow space for accidents, let go of the outcome and lean into failure. Bring a pen or pencil and a playful state of mind …
About Richard Holman
Richard began his career with the BBC before going on to found one of London’s most respected boutique creative agencies. He believes that the world needs creativity and innovation more than ever, which is why he loves to work with individuals and teams to grow their creative confidence and make better and braver ideas.
Richard has run creative thinking masterclasses across the globe for brands like the BBC, Meta, the Premier League, Penguin and Paramount. His podcast The Wind Thieved Hat explores the highs and lows of life as a maker. He writes regularly on the subject of creativity, contributing to publications like Creative Review, and his first book, Creative Demons and How to Slay to Them, has been translated into several languages. He’s also been a keynote speaker at conferences in Europe, the US and Asia.
When he’s not musing on where great ideas come from, you’ll find him running up and down the fells of south Wales where he lives.
About Creatives Mean Business
Creative Cardiff launched Creatives Mean Business in April 2026, a pilot programme providing tailored interventions to creative freelancers at different stages in their career, funded by Natwest Accelerator.
The aim of the programme was to empower, connect and upskill our region’s creative workforce, helping to securing a sustainable future for the creative economy in the CCR. Through a series of interactive business masterclasses, 1-1 mentoring sessions, networking and coworking opportunities, we have started to build a bespoke business development programme designed to empower creatives to think strategically, strengthen their business skills, and scale their work across Wales and beyond.
This workshop forms part of a wider programme of Creatives Mean Buisiness activity, but you do not have to be part of the programme to attend this event. This workshop is open to all.
Accessible venue. Take a look at our Accessibility page for more information. Please email us at hi@thecanopi.org if you would like a video call to check out the venue before you arrive.