Creative Exchange

A project which aims to help develop talent, skills and ideas among the creative community in Bedfordshire.

Artists & Associates

Sadie Hunt

Our Creative Exchange programme is devised to support local creatives by nurturing talent, developing skills and ideas through advice, mentorship and partnership.

This year we are focusing on two main projects – ‘Working with Bedford Prison’ and a series of events under the title ‘Make it Happen’ to set the scene for the launch of this year’s Producer Hub 2026/27 in the autumn.

Working with Bedford Prison

We have programmed two Creative Exchange sessions designed to explore opportunities for creatives to work with prisoners in Bedford and to find out more about the benefits and challenges associated with creative work in a prison.

The initial workshop event on 26th May 2026 was at HMP Bedford and open to local creatives keen to learn more about the prison. In this session, staff from HMP Bedford explained what life is like in this town centre prison and offered their perspective on how creativity and art might support their rehabilitation objectives. Creatives had a chance to see inside the prison and ask questions about working in this context.

A follow-up ‘response’ session is scheduled for 25th June. In this session we’ll explore ideas for creative projects in collaboration with Bedford prison.

We are excited to have two great speakers join us for this session.

Firstly, Chris Millin from Community Arts Projects UK (CAP UK). He will be sharing his experience from delivering art projects in prisons throughout the UK, considering successes and challenges. He will be taking questions and offering insights to support us in the early stages of this project.

The second speaker is a local artist/practitioner Sara Turner who is already working in Bedford Prison. She will be talking to us about the work she already does in the prison and sharing her reflections on what works, impact and what is needed.

This session takes place at the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel.

Book now for follow-up session

Make it Happen!

Creatives and creative producers are invited to attend a series of events that will dovetail into the start of the 2026/27 Producer Hub programme this autumn.

‘From Idea to Reality’

This speed-dating style networking session helps give you quick advice on making your creative idea a reality. Meet experts on different aspects of producing creative activities and seek advice.

Date TBC

‘Make it Happen in a Day’

Crash course in being a producer, with fictional case studies created and people supported to design, plan and present a project idea. Aimed at people who think they might be ready to become a producer. Half day workshop.

Date TBC