Creative Exchange

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 – 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 and ‘Working with Bedford Prison’, a programme designed to explore opportunities for creatives to work with prisoners in Beford.

Make it Happen!

Creatives, creative producers and community groups 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’ – 9th September

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.

‘Make it Happen in a Day’ – 19th September

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 with Jo Hudson-Lett.

‘Join our Cohort’ webinar – 22nd September

Session to explain how the Cohort programme works and how to apply. Online only. 6pm – 7.30pm

More dates for your diary:

15th October, 6-7:30pm ‘Pitch Up’ – free networking event in the Bunyan Basement for local creatives looking to meet other like minded creatives. Have a chance to pitch a project you’re working on or a partner you’re looking for in 3 minutes! Booking link to follow.

10th December, 6-7:30pm ‘Christmas Social’ in The Ship, St Cuthbert’s Street – a fun pre-Christmas social event for creatives. Just turn up!

For more details on Producer Hub, see our For creatives page.

Working with Bedford Prison

We programmed two Creative Exchange sessions exploring 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. 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 rehabilitation objectives. Creatives had a chance to see inside the prison and ask questions about working in this context.

The follow-up ‘response’ session was held on 25th June. We explored ideas for creative projects in collaboration with Bedford prison and heard from two guest speakers:

Chris Millin from Community Arts Projects UK (CAP UK) shared his experience and insights from delivering art projects in prisons throughout the UK, to support us in the early stages of this project.

Local artist/practitioner Sara Turner is already working in Bedford Prison. She shared her reflections on what works, and what is needed.