CREATE! 2027

CREATE! is a free training course for up to 20 participants from across Dorset, and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, with less than 2 years’ experience in the arts sector.

Held in early 2027, the CREATE! scheme will consist of approximately 4 whole day in-person learning sessions covering key skills and knowledge for delivering live events and outdoor arts.

Produced in partnership by Arts by the Sea, b-side and Activate Performing Arts, participants will learn how live events are created from start to finish, and take part in workshops led by experienced professionals.

This year’s programme is being led by Arts by the Sea.

CREATE! is a free training course for up to 20 participants from across Dorset and BCP with less than 2 years’ experience in the arts sector. Held in early 2027, the CREATE! scheme will consist of approximately 4 whole day in-person learning sessions covering key skills and knowledge for delivering live events and outdoor arts.

Produced in partnership between Arts by the Sea, b-side and Activate Performing Arts, participants will learn how live events are created from start to finish, and take part in workshops led by experienced professionals.

Workshops will cover 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?

Participation in this free course includes:
● Your travel expenses whilst attending the course
● Lunch and snacks during the course
● A course programme professional designed to give you a clearer
understanding of how artistic events are delivered
● An opportunity to pitch for a pot of money to help make your creative idea a
reality
● Networking with other arts professionals and connecting with likeminded
creatives
● Useful resources signposted directly to you

Workshop days will take place across BCP and Dorset, bringing participants to different creative and cultural spaces across the region.

“For so long, I struggled with imposter syndrome in the creative industry. CREATE! gave me the confidence to feel like I belonged and made my creative ideas feel achievable. Being surrounded by such talented, like-minded people was incredibly inspiring. If I could do the course again, I would in a heartbeat. “ – CREATE! 2026 participant

The application deadline is 5pm, Monday 2 November 2026.

Apply here: https://artsbythesea.co.uk/create-2027/

Find out more about previous CREATE! cohorts on our Project Page.