Arts Council England
The national development agency for creativity and culture.
For Creatives
discover moreSparking possibility: whatever your goals, we're here to help.
To create outstanding events and performances, sometimes you need support. Whatever your background or experience, we’re here to help creatives in performing arts make the most inspiring work they can. This is at the heart of everything we do.
Offering Support
Every one of us is on a journey. Wherever you are on yours, we’ll do our best to help. Our wealth of experience, gained over more than 30 years, makes us a great sounding board and source of information on all aspects of creating live performance.
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Network
We’re here to help you make the connections you need and find your professional community.
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Creatives at work
See how we've helped others navigate the unique challenges of making theatre, dance, outdoor or site-specific performances.
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Opportunities
We provide sources of information on all aspects of creating live performance, including funding opportunities and jobs.
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Resources
We’ll give practical advice, moral support, and help you reach your potential.
Latest Resources
Discover articles, case studies and practical guides to support you in your creative work.
Culture Hive
A free online resource hub for cultural professionals that brings the collective intelligence of the sector together, by you, for you.
The freelance taskforce’s 5 guiding principles
The 5 Guiding Principles - a toolkit to help support the performing arts sector. Nearly half of our workforce are freelancers and the Freelance Taskforce (and Activate) think it imperative that - as the sector still suffers from the knock-on effects of the pandemic - organisations & freelancers collaborate to improve working practices.
Access Rider template for freelance creatives
A versatile tool for freelance creatives to articulate access needs, aimed at creating supportive work environments rooted in disability justice and intersectionality.
Arts Development Company
Access a variety of practical resources on topics like creating community projects, crowdfunding, setting up arts organisations, fundraising, managing budgets and more, all aimed at supporting cultural and creative development.
Artsadmin
Find curated resources for live art and contemporary performance, including funding bodies, venues, networks, and professional development opportunities, designed to support artists and their work.
Code of Care
A toolkit offering best practices for supporting freelance artists, fostering clear communication and mutual care between artists and venues, developed through conversations with underrepresented artists.
Green Riders for Outdoor Artists
A guide for outdoor artists to outline environmentally-friendly needs alongside technical riders, promoting sustainable practices in collaboration with festivals and venues.
Latest News for Creatives
Keep up to date with the latest jobs, training, funding and opportunities.
Inside Out Dorset 2025 programme announced
Inside Out Dorset, the biennial international outdoor arts festival, is set to return this autumn with a series of free-to-see…
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£10,000 Nationwide grant for The Remix
Andrea Gilling, a Nationwide employee and volunteer at Activate’s inclusive performance group The Remix, has secured a £10,000 grant for…
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Activate supports Dorset artist on residency with Complicité
Dorset artist Tilly Ingram will be attending the Mudlarks International residency at Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking in March 2025.
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Activate wins silver at Dorset Tourism Awards
Our Inside Out Dorset 2023 festival takes silver in the Tourism Event / Festival of the Year category.
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Nature Calling – Writers, rappers and poets unveil their new work
Nature Calling, a ground-breaking national project led by National Landscapes Association and executive and creative producers, Activate Performing Arts are…
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Christmas Celebratory Showcase – What A Joy To Watch!
WHAT A NIGHT. A HUGE THANK YOU to the various arts groups from across Dorset who came together for a…
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Would you like to stay connected with what’s on, find out about jobs and opportunities for creatives, and Activate news? Then sign up to receive our creatives newsletter which is packed with information that can support you with your career.