CREATE!
Activate Performing Arts
CREATE! 2026 is a free course being delivered through Spring 2026 for those who are based in Dorset and BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole). Participants learn how artistic events are created from start to finish. With workshops led by experienced professionals, the course covers topics such as:
- What makes a great event?
- Building a network
- How do community-led projects work?
- Financing a creative idea
- Where can events happen?
- Marketing and audience identification
- What is risk management?
Participants on the course also have an opportunity, at the end of the course – using skills learned during the course and documents they have been introduced to – to pitch a creative idea which b-side, Activate Performing Arts and Arts by the Sea will offer constructive feedback on. The most successful pitches are offered seed-funding to further develop their ideas.
With creative learning sessions taking place across Dorset, the participants take part in the workshop sessions together, where there are opportunities for connection and spaces to see different types of artistic work.
The course included:
- All travel and food expenses during the course.
- A clearer understanding of how artistic events can be made
- An opportunity to pitch for a pot of money to help make your creative idea a reality
- Networking sessions during and after the course
- Direct access to arts professionals
- Aid and Resources signposted directly to you.
- Direct engagement with art/performance in your region
Create! courses are for people of any age (18+) who may have some experience in creating their own creative events, those who want to step into the artistic industry but don’t know how, and also those who have no idea how any of the creative world works but think they have a great idea they’d like to make a reality.
“The course should be commended for practicing what was preached in its sessions being an accessible course that actively sought to remove the barriers we discussed e.g. transport, food and financial.” CREATE! 2025 participant.
Applications open soon for 2026, sign up to Activate’s regular newsletters and keep an eye on our social media to hear more information.
If you have any questions, email: grace@activateperformingarts.org.uk
ACCESS: The Create! courses are designed to be accessible. We encourage applications from people who have access requirements.
Film footage by Elliot Millson
“I’ve left CREATE! 2025 feeling utterly inspired with a renewed sense of confidence in my own capabilities and the knowledge needed to take the next steps and put on my first creative event. This has given me the confidence to leave the comfort of the thinking space and finally start doing.”
– CREATE! 2025 participant