Discover your creative future
Creative Futures is a free programme for young people aged 16–25 who want to develop their creativity, build confidence and explore opportunities in the creative industries.
Whether you’re an artist, designer, musician, performer, filmmaker, writer or simply passionate about being creative, we’re here to help you take your next step.
Through workshops, mentoring, networking and creative projects, you’ll gain practical experience, meet industry professionals and become part of a supportive community of young creatives across Bristol and the South West.
Everyone’s journey is different—and Creative Futures is here to help you shape yours. No previous professional experience is required.
How does it work?
There are two ways to get involved with Creative Futures: our Creative Futures Residency and our Public Programme.
The Creative Futures Residency is a three-month opportunity for artists at the beginning of their creative careers. Residents receive a £500 commission to develop a new piece of work, alongside dedicated studio space at The Station in central Bristol. Throughout the residency, you’ll benefit from mentoring, professional development and the chance to grow your creative practice, expand your network and showcase your work to a public audience.
The Public Programme offers a year-round calendar of free workshops, talks and networking events, designed to help you develop your skills, build confidence and connect with other young creatives. Whether you’re exploring a creative career or looking to develop your existing practice, there’s something for everyone.
Creative Futures works with artists, organisations, businesses and venues across the region to create meaningful opportunities for young creatives. We’ve supported early-career artists across music, performance, visual arts and more, helping them progress into opportunities with organisations including Bristol Beacon, MAYK, Bristol Old Vic, Nelson Street Commission, Bath Spa University, Spike Island, The Egg, Watershed, Bristol Festival of Ideas and Arnolfini.
Who can get involved?
Creative Futures is for young people aged 16–25 who are passionate about creativity and want to develop their skills, grow their confidence and explore a career in the creative industries.
Whether you’re just starting out, studying, creating in your spare time or taking your first steps as a freelancer, Creative Futures is here to support you. We welcome creatives from all disciplines—including visual arts, music, performance, theatre, film, photography, design, writing and more.
Most of our workshops, events and opportunities are open to everyone, unless stated otherwise, and no professional experience is needed to get involved.
Our Creative Futures Residency Programme:
Creative Futures is a residency for early-career artists to develop new work and take steps forward in their practice.
Artists are commissioned to create original pieces across art, music, sound, and performance, supported through a structured programme of mentoring, workshops, and peer exchange. Based at The Station, they work alongside other artists—testing ideas, building skills, and developing their creative voice in a shared space. Alongside making new work, artists grow their networks, strengthen their producing skills, and become part of an ongoing creative community. The residency culminates in a public showcase at The Courts, where artists present their work to new audiences in a professional setting.
Applications are open now for the next Creative Futures Commission & Residency. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The Creative Futures Public Programme:
The Creative Futures public programme brings together a community of emerging artists to support them with free workshops and opportunities as they develop and launch their careers. Creative Futures runs a year-round programme of free workshops, talks and networking events designed to support your creative journey.
Whether you’re learning a new skill, developing your portfolio or exploring creative careers, our sessions provide opportunities to connect with professionals, discover new ideas and meet other young creatives.
Booking is now live!!
You can attend a single event or join us throughout the year—whatever works best for you.
WORKSHOPS
Develop practical creative and professional skills through hands-on sessions online and in person led by artists and industry professionals. You could learn how to:
- Apply for funding and creative opportunities
- Build and present your portfolio
- Market yourself and your work
- Work as a freelancer or become self-employed
- Design and deliver creative workshops
- Build a sustainable career in the creative industries
CREATIVE MEET-UPS & COLLABORATIONS
Our Co-LAB creative socials are regular meet-up bringing together artists, creatives and cultural organisations from across Bristol and the South West.
Co-LAB is a space to share ideas, opportunities and resources, meet new collaborators and find out what’s happening across Bristol’s creative sector. Expect informal conversations, creative networking, free refreshments and opportunities from local arts organisations.
Whether you’re looking for collaborators, professional connections or simply a way to meet other creatives, Co-LAB offers an accessible and welcoming space to build your creative community.
For creatives aged 16–30ish from any discipline.
PARTNER EVENTS
Alongside our workshops and artist support programme, Creative Futures also offers opportunities to connect with creative organisations and artists through special events and showcases hosted with our partners, including Pervasive Media Studios.
These events provide opportunities to discover new work, meet practitioners and explore different creative disciplines while building connections across Bristol’s creative community. Follow is on instagram @creativeyouthnetwork and @thecourtsbristol for more info.
FINAL SHARINGS
Participants on our Commission Programme showcase the projects they have worked on throughout their 3-month residencies. All are welcome at our free event to see the boundary-pushing, multi-disciplinary art from the next generation of artists in the southwest. From dancing robots to drag-theatre, from immersive installations to concept albums, don’t miss out on your chance to be the first to view their innovative work.
