Creative Exchange
A project which aims to help develop talent, skills and ideas among the creative community in Bedfordshire.
Artists & Associates
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 and be part of devising possible creative solutions along artforms such as Poetry, Theatre, Film and Music.
In this first session, staff and prisoners 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 discuss ideas for creative projects in collaboration with Bedford prison. Joined by prison staff and BCA, creatives are invited to explore what creative interventions in any artform could support the rehabilitation of offenders.
This session takes place at the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel.
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.
More details to come soon. Follow our socials for updates.
1st July – ‘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. 6pm – 7:30pm
2nd July – ‘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, 10am – 2pm
6th August – ‘Join our Cohort’ webinar
Session to explain how the Cohort programme works and how to apply. Online only, 6pm – 7:30pm
3rd September (tbc) – ‘Join our Cohort’
Session to explain how the Cohort programme works and how to apply. In person, 6pm – 7:30pm
For more details on Producer Hub, see our For creatives page.
Working in partnership with HMP Bedford.
Photo credit: Andy Willsher
