Who Common Ground is for.
Creative people, and people with a creative attitude, who want to meet others, make friends and maybe make something together.
If you make, design, write, grow or perform, you're in.
As your job, your hobby, or something you're getting back into. And if you don't make anything yet but you're curious, open-minded and love ideas, a creative attitude counts just as much. No project or portfolio needed.
Photographers / Painters / Illustrators / Printmakers / Sculptors / Street artists
Writers / Poets / Songwriters / Bloggers / Podcasters
Musicians / Singers / DJs & producers / Actors / Dancers / Comedians
Filmmakers / Animators / Graphic designers / Content creators / Game designers
Florists / Potters / Jewellery makers / Textile artists / Knitters / Woodworkers
Models / Stylists / Fashion designers / Make-up artists / Hair stylists / Tattoo artists
Or you simply have a creative attitude: curious, open-minded and up for new ideas. Or you just want to make friends. You're welcome too.
Different crafts. Same spark.
A florist and a DJ might seem worlds apart. In practice, creative people share more than they think, and the overlap is where the most interesting work happens.
Making from nothing
Whether it's a song, a bouquet or a photograph, you know the pull of turning an idea into something real.
An eye for detail
Colour, light, sound, rhythm, texture, words. You notice what other people walk past.
Better together
Creative work can be solitary. Good company makes it more enjoyable and the results more ambitious.
Curious about other worlds
Other people's crafts spark new ideas in your own, often in ways you'd never expect.
Come on your own (most people will), or bring a friend.
Common Ground is a great way to make new friends and to help with feeling isolated. However you arrive, you'll be made welcome from the moment you walk in.
A warm welcome
A host greets you at the door and introduces you to a couple of people straight away.
Easy conversation
Small, friendly groups and people who are happy to chat, so there's never pressure to work the room.
Not just about drinking
Venues where you can hear each other, with good alcohol-free options.
Come and go
Arrive late or leave early, whatever fits around your week. Just come when you can.
Really, everyone.
Common Ground is for anyone who wants to be part of it. If something would make it easier for you to come along, tell us and we'll do our best to make it work.
Whoever you are
Whatever your age, background, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith, disability or experience. Seasoned professional, complete beginner, or simply someone with a creative outlook, you belong here.
Venues that work for people
Step-free venues wherever we can, a quieter corner if the room gets busy, and good alcohol-free options. Tell us anything that would help.
Come as you are
No need to drink, network, perform or show anything. Shy, nervous or neurodivergent? It's fine to listen, take a breather, or leave early.
Hi, I'm Chris.
Founder & host of Common Ground
I'm originally from Wales, and I've lived in Ealing for around 20 years, with ten years in Dublin along the way.
For most of my career I've worked in business, building and leading teams across the UK, Europe and further afield. I've also run my own coaching business, offering business and life coaching, and a training company. Helping people grow in confidence and get the best out of working together has always been the part I enjoy most.
Photography is my creative side. As Future Echos Photography I shoot portraits and fashion, inspired by cinema and album art. It's introduced me to brilliant models, stylists, make-up artists and other creatives, and I want more people in West London to find their creative people too. That's why I started Common Ground.
Music is my other great passion. I've played guitar since I was about 11 and collected quite a few guitars along the way, so if you play, write or just love music, come and say hello.
I'll be at every meet-up to say hello and introduce people. If you're nervous about coming, tell me when you join the guest list, or send me a message, and I'll look out for you at the door.
I can't wait to meet you.
Wales to West London
Welsh by birth, an Ealing local for around 20 years, with a decade in Dublin in between.
Business & coaching
Decades building and leading international teams, plus my own coaching, life coaching and training businesses.
Photographer
Portraits and fashion with moody light, bold colour and a story in every frame, often exploring identity, change and self-expression.
Guitar player
Playing since I was about 11, with a guitar collection that has kept growing ever since. Music has always been a big part of my life.
Collaborator
Every shoot is a team effort. I make room for everyone's ideas, and I want people to leave feeling good about themselves.
Friendly, kind, respectful.
The short version of our code of conduct.
Make everyone welcome
Say hello to new faces and bring people into the conversation, especially anyone who's come on their own.
Be kind and supportive
Encourage each other and enjoy what everyone brings. Beginners and experienced creatives are equally part of the group.
Respect each other
Respect people's views, space and boundaries, and always ask before taking someone's photo.
Get on the guest list.
Free to join. Come alone or bring a friend.