Producer Hub 2026/27
A project which aims to help develop talent, skills and ideas among the creative community in Bedfordshire.
Artists & Associates
Want to bring people together? Create something for and in your community? The Producer Hub is an initiative run by 1DegreeEast, a producer-led arts organisation that supports artists, producers, and programmers to create impactful work through mentoring and advice. The Bedford Producer Hub is delivered in partnership with us and together we work with artists to explore innovative ways of creating arts projects – in any artform – with and for local communities. Our aim is to support creativity, encourage emerging talent, and help Bedford’s cultural scene flourish.
Make it Happen!
Got a creative idea but not sure how to make it a reality? Want to organise a project for your local community? You may not think of yourself as a creative producer but you are ready to make it happen? Then this is for you!
In the lead up to the 2026/27 Producer Hub programme starting this autumn, we’re offering creatives and community groups the opportunity to attend a short series of events this September.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome people from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage participation from people who are ethnically diverse, disabled, neurodivergent, from working-class communities, or creating work at a community and non-professional level.
Sign up now for the September events below!
9th September – ‘From Idea to Reality’
This networking session gives you quick advice on making your creative idea a reality. Meet experts on different aspects of producing creative activities and seek advice. Led by Matthews Jones (1DegreeEast), with Jo Hudson-Lett (Just Purple Presents).
19th September – ‘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 led by Jo Hudson-Lett.
22nd September – ‘Join our Cohort’ webinar
Session to explain how the Cohort programme works and how to apply. Q&A opportunity plus a talk through the dates. Online only. 6pm – 7.30pm
Everyone Creative
A producer produces anything. Working with emerging and local talent, the Producer Hub is supportive, open and hands on. We particularly want to support potential and participation from under-represented communities to showcase the diverse range of cultures in Bedford.
Our Bedford Producer Hub provides general, open mentoring and advice and will steer you through the highs and lows of being a producer. Annually, up to 10 people from Bedford are recruited to a Cohort and will be mentored both individually and collectively through seminars and 1-2-1 sessions and group critique to develop an idea for a creative project. In addition, each person is entitled to a bursary of up to £500 (or 10% of their project costs if lower) to help with match funding.
Bedford Producer Hub is here to:
- Provide support for early-career producers and artists who produce their own work.
- Help them create their best creative projects and connect with a wide range of audiences across Bedford.
- Create opportunities for local creative professionals to meet, share ideas, and support their professional growth and wellbeing.
Fill in the registration form to join the Cohort
Key Dates
August 2026
2026/27 Producer Hub applications open
9th September
‘Make it Happen – From Idea to Reality’
19th September
‘Make it Happen – Producer in a Day’
22nd September
‘Make it Happen – Join our Producer Hub Cohort’ (webinar)
2nd October
Producer Hub applications close
22nd October
Producer Hub Session 1 – ‘Developing Your Idea’: designing your project, write up a brief and set your objectives.
19th November
Session 2 – ‘Structuring Your Project’: looking at networks and partnerships, write a project plan and timeline.
17th December
Session 3 – ‘Budgeting and Funding’: learning about income streams/funding and create a budget.
21st January 2027
Session 4 – ‘Marketing and Audience Development’: identifying your audience, engaging with communities, and write a marketing plan.
18th February
Session 5 – ‘Monitoring and Evaluation’: evidencing success for funders, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, write an Evaluation Framework.
Case Studies
Don’t just take our word for it…
Want to know what Bedford Producer Hub is really like? Read the stories of two creatives who took part in an earlier cohort.
Alumnae Alison Goodyear and Anthea Davis-Barclay reflect on their time on the Producer Hub and how it is still helping to shape their creative practice.
If you’re interested in accessing the Producer Hub, please contact Elaine Midgley at info@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk.
Photo credits: Andy Willsher/Michal Spisiak
