CREATE! 2023 took place over the Summer of 2023 – a talent development partnership project delivered by three Dorset arts festivals – b-side, Inside Out and Arts By The Sea Burnemouth.

This free course was for emerging Dorset and Bournemouth Christchurch + Poole (BCP) based people of any age to better understand how creative projects/events are made from start to finish and included networking sessions, visits to events, workshops lead by experienced professionals as well as a chance to pitch an idea to the festival partnership.

b-side CREATE! participants 2023

Charlotte Beare

“I am a self-taught, professional artist living just outside Weymouth with my husband and our two young children. My work is varied in subject matter and medium, though I have a particular passion for human portraiture.

As an active member of Artwey, a ‘Community Interest Company’ that promotes art in Weymouth & Portland, I am looking forward to sharing my Create! 2023 experience with fellow members and exploring ways in which I might use my skills and passion for visual art to engage, inspire and ignite creativity in our community.”

Poppy Hardwicke

” I’m a recent graduate from UCA Farnham in Acting and performance. I have always had a love for theatre-making and entertaining people through performance. I am so excited to be taking part in the Create! Course and learning the different steps in creating my own event and what kind of planning is needed to make it successful, from budgeting to creating a team.”

Jodie House

“I am a community artist and owner of an arts engagement company in Weymouth. I’m really looking forward to the Create journey and the opportunity to connect with creatives across Dorset, learn, share ideas and experiences. It’s great to be a part of the diverse arts community the south has to offer. ”

James Loveday

“I am a working creative practitioner, passionate about the arts and the local community. Keen to help showcase the talent and ideas of others and master my own crafts, I am an advocate for celebrating individuality and making things happen.”

Sophie Swain

“I’m Sophie, a 30 year old currently living on the Isle of Portland. I’m looking forward to learning about the intricacies of putting together a creative event and learning how to appropriately risk assess for different audiences!”