Unity Theatre have launched Creative’pool – a new talent development programme providing over 200 artists a year with the training, networks, skills and resources to build a sustainable career in the creative arts.
With four different levels, Creative’pool has been designed to support creators of all backgrounds, at all levels of experience, preparing the next wave of Merseyside based artists and producers to share their talent with the city and the world.
The programme, which has been generously supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, will begin in January 2021 and includes £5 tickets across the entire Unity programme, free-to-access masterclasses and workshops.
There will also be free space and support for artists to develop, record and stream their work, a year-long producer course with two weekend-residencies ran by national experts and a brand-new role for an Associate Producer.
Level One: Creative Membership
Unity are enhancing their current Creative Membership, launched in 2019, to expand the amount of free and subsidised opportunities for artists. Benefits include:
• £5 tickets across the full programme
• Free access to online and in-person masterclasses and workshops with visiting
companies
• Free 1-on-1 advice sessions with staff and industry experts
• Free monthly networking sessions
• Free access to an artist database that allows artists to connect with peers
• Free hot-desking and refreshments at the Unity bar once a month on
Freelancer Wednesdays.
Level Two: Space to Create
Open from February 2021, Space to Create is a new Research and Development (R&D) scheme that offers over 12 weeks of free space across the year to artists who want to develop ideas in a financially risk-free setting.
The free space also includes the opportunity to have work recorded and live-streamed, allowing artists to share their work with more programmers, venues and audiences than ever before.
Artists can apply for up to one week’s worth of space and the applicants will be selected by a panel. Artists can also request technician support and will have the opportunity to share their work to industry networks at the end of the week.
Level Three: Level-Up Producer Course
Starting April 2021, Unity’s Level-Up Producer Course offers a more intensive support and training programme for a smaller cohort of artists and companies looking to self produce their work to a high-standard.
Through a series of skills development, shadowing and networking opportunities, the course will help participants develop productions to a level ready for touring. Those on the course will begin with two weekend residencies across the year ran by producing experts and national partners, with bursaries and an on-site creche available.
The full line-up of national artists, companies and experts will be announced in January. On completion of the Level-up Producer Course participants will continue their training with access to one year of mentoring from a Unity staff member, shadowing opportunities, opportunities to pitch work and regular access to space.
Level Four: Unity Associate Producer
Finally, level four of Creative’pool will give one mid-level producer the chance to work as Unity’s Associate Producer on an 18-month placement. This paid producer role will include programming experience, a placement at both Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse and a grassroots organisation in the city.
The role will also support local talent and the producing of community and emerging work on a mid-scale
national tour.
For further information, please contact: rachaelwelsh@unitytheatre.co.uk | 07811 618 570
See their website here.