CREATE! 2025 is a free course for those who are based in Dorset and BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) that would like to learn how artistic events are created from start to finish. With workshops led by experienced professionals, the course will cover topics such as:

• What makes a great event?
• Building a network
• How do community-led projects work?
• Financing a creative idea
• Where can events happen?
• Marketing and audience identification
• What is risk management?

Participants on the course will have an opportunity to prepare a pitch document for a creative idea that they have which b-side, Activate Performing Arts (producers of Inside Out Dorset) , Arts by the Sea and Bridport Arts Centre will provide feedback and pointers on. At the end of the course, you can choose to use this pitch document to bid for a pot of funding from the partner organisations that could help seed-fund your idea.

Held in January at different spaces across Dorset, all participants will take part in the workshop sessions together, where there will be opportunities for connection with each other and spaces to see different types of artistic work that support your time both on the course and after.

What you will get from the course:

• All travel and food expenses during the course.
• A clearer understanding of how artistic events can be made
• An opportunity to pitch for a pot of money to help make your creative idea a reality
• Networking sessions during and after the course
• Direct access to arts professionals
• Aid and Resources signposted directly to you.
• Direct engagement with art/performance in your region

This is a course for those of any age (18+) who may have some experience in creating their own creative events, those who are wanting to step into the artistic industry but don’t know how, and also those who have no idea how any of the creative world works but thinks they have a great idea they’d like to make a reality.

Applications for the course open on 1^st October – check back here for more information on course dates, venues and content then!

 If you have any questions ahead of applications opening, feel free to get in contact with Archie on archie@b-side.org.uk

ACCESS:

Inclusion is at the heart of b-side.

b-side is on a journey to consider access at the inception of each event, to discover the creative potential of accessible practice, and find new ways to reach, work with, and offer opportunities to everyone. This is no exception with CREATE! 2025, and each project partner is invested in curating an accessible course that can be catered to your individual needs.

Please feel free to contact our access lead Sally Watkins sally@b-side.org.uk to discuss your access needs, we will do all we can to help and please feel free to give us feedback so we can improve.