Alternative Budget Day Brings Fresh Thinking to Creative Community
‘Enormous fun. Brilliant. Really immersive.’ Those were just some of the words that attendees used to describe our first-ever Alternative Budget Day on Thursday 12 March 2026. We welcomed creative entrepreneurs, funders and business leaders from across the South West for a morning of playful provocation and serious reflection on the future of the creative economy.
Designed to spark debate about fairer and more resilient economic models for the UK’s creative microbusinesses, the event blended hands‑on activities, theatrical debate and imaginative tools to help participants explore new ways of thinking about growth, value and sustainability.
Reimagining the Economy… with Cake
The morning opened with the Alternative Bake Off – a quirky, collaborative exercise that invited teams to explore four different economic models using cakes and toppings. Part experiment, part metaphor, and entirely hands-on, the session encouraged attendees to think differently about how creative businesses might share resources, distribute value and build stronger communities.
A Playful Take on Parliament
Guests then stepped into a reimagined Alternative House of Commons, complete with an Alternative Chancellor, mini‑speeches from MPs championing different cake‑based economic models, and a lively debate that challenged traditional assumptions around economic growth.
Those gathered in an improvised Parliament Square – complete with placards and plinths – watched the debate play out before casting their vote for the economic model they felt best served creative microbusinesses. Every attendee left with a goodie bag to ensure, at least for this event, that everyone enjoyed ‘an equal slice of the Big Cake’.
Exploring New Possibilities
Beyond the performances and provocations, participants had the chance to explore The Studio’s immersive tech library and connect with fellow creatives. The day highlighted a pressing reality: with 93% of the UK’s creative sector made up of microbusinesses and 70% reporting barriers to accessing finance, new approaches to economic resilience are urgently needed.
Discussions throughout the morning focused on redefining success – not through endless growth, but through community strength, long‑term sustainability and more balanced regional ecosystems.
What Participants Said
Attendees described the event as:
‘I loved the event – I thought it was really creative and I love that it was really immersive.’
‘I found it really inspiring and made me feel hopeful that there is a possibility for change.’
‘It was really understandable, and also silly and fun. I think it was perfect.’
‘A really clever way of explaining difficult concepts… and get people thinking about what might work.’
‘I really, really enjoyed it. It wasn’t dry at all when talking about finance. It was very creative. I could really relate to it.’
‘It’s been really good fun. Brilliant.’
‘A great way to bring what could be very dry to life.’
‘At the moment, with lots of people who perhaps are struggling with economic issues, a bit of fun was great.’
‘We are coming together as an artistic, creative, micro business and small business community to realise that… there are other solutions.’
Many also welcomed the injection of playfulness at a time when economic challenges remain front of mind for small creative businesses.
A Catalyst for New Thinking
Alternative Budget Day marks the latest step in The Studio in Bath’s mission to support experimentation, collaboration and new ideas within the region’s creative industries. Blending performance, policy and play, the event demonstrated how creative methods can open up fresh ways of understanding complex financial landscapes – and inspire the sector to imagine fairer futures.
