Leeds Creative Timebank

Having worked in at a cultural marketing firm based in West Yorkshire the past month I've learnt about a few things about the area whilst writing up previews and listings for DigYorkshire.

Trains. There are shit loads of railway tracks, or old train attractions up North.
Small towns love touring psychic shows.
Rambling paradise for those of you with Camper shoes.
Some amazing community based fetes and fairs knocking about.

However what struck my chords most, was stumbling across the alternative economy of Leeds Creative Timebank in an e-bulletin. This non-profit organisation pulls together professionals, companies and individuals within creative industries that need some assistance. Then individuals may sign up to volunteer. By volunteers banking up their given hours they may exchange it for some work experience/skill development in a desired profession of their choice available. For example, one week I may volunteer 3 hours of my time to be a gallery invigilator in order to learn about taxidermy from a working artist for 3 hours the following week (note: the place you volunteer will not necessarily have to be the same place with which you may wish to learn your desired skill). Forging a web of creative individuals through working relations, this is a great opportunity to meet people who mutually want to learn and teach somewhat free of stressed capital.