CREATE!

CREATE! 2025 is a free course for those who are based in Dorset and BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) that would like to 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 have an opportunity to prepare a pitch document for a creative idea that they have which b-side, Activate Performing Arts and Arts by the Sea  provide feedback and pointers on. At the end of the course, participants use this pitch document to bid for a pot of funding from the partner organisations that could help seed-fund an idea.

Held in January at different spaces across Dorset, all participants take part in the workshop sessions together, where there are opportunities for connection and spaces to see different types of artistic work.

What you will get from the course:

• 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

This course is for those 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.

“Budgeting was an eye opener and the detail in that session was great because usually I would look at budgeting and be really scared, but actually going through it with someone was more relaxing and better than doing it by myself and be thrown in the deep end.” CREATE! 2020 participant.

Applications for the course are now closed for 2025.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in contact with Archie on archie@b-side.org.uk

ACCESS:

Inclusion is at the heart of b-side.

b-side is on a journey to consider access at the inception of each event, to discover the creative potential of accessible practice, and find new ways to reach, work with, and offer opportunities to everyone. This is no exception with CREATE! 2025, and each project partner is invested in curating an accessible course that can be catered to your individual needs.

Please feel free to contact b-side’s access lead Sally Watkins sally@b-side.org.uk to discuss access need and to give feedback.

Film footage by Elliot Millson