Creative Producer meetup 2026
Arcadia presents Creative Producer Meet-up, an informal peer-learning programme for people who make creative work happen.
You might already call yourself a creative producer. You might be an artist, designer, technologist, project manager, organiser, freelancer, founder, or someone involved in a startup or creative business. You might develop ideas, bring teams together, manage projects or budgets, build partnerships, find funding, support artists, or help turn creative ideas into sustainable projects, products or ventures.
The programme will bring together a small cohort of people, primarily from Dundee and the surrounding area, while remaining open to applicants from across Scotland. Together, we will share experiences and explore how creative work gets made, supported and sustained. This will include include a range of topics such as collaboration, producing practice, developing ideas, building partnerships, commissioning, funding, budgeting, contracts and IP and more. The final selection of topics will be based on applications.
Spaces are limited, which is why we have a short application process. We are looking for a diverse mix of participants with different backgrounds, experiences, disciplines and routes into the creative industries.
You do not need to have “Creative Producer” in your job title. If you help shape, organise, grow or deliver creative work, projects or businesses, this programme is for you. A smaller group of participants will also have access to one-to-one mentoring, matched with experienced practitioners who can offer tailored support around their goals, challenges and next steps.
The deadline for applications is noon on Wednesday 23 September.
Programme format
The programme will include six relaxed and informal sessions running between September and November 2026. Sessions will usually last around half a day, with some evening sessions where this works better for participants and guests. Sessions will take place on the following dates, with a mix of online and in-person activity:
Wed 30 Sep, 6pm to 8pm
Wed 7 Oct, 12pm to 4pm
Wed 21 Oct, 12pm to 4pm
Wed 28 Oct, 12pm to 4pm
Wed 11 Nov, 12pm to 4pm
Wed 25 Nov, 6pm to 9pm
Location and remote participation
In-person sessions will take place at a central Dundee location. Although this is a Scotland-wide opportunity, we are particularly keen to hear from people based in Dundee and the surrounding area, as the programme has a strong in-person focus and is being delivered at a small scale.
Some sessions will include online or hybrid participation. We will also explore remote attendance where travel, access, caring responsibilities or location make in-person participation difficult.
Commitment
The programme is designed as a small learning cohort, so we ask participants to attend most of the six sessions where possible. We understand freelance work and other commitments change, so the programme will be flexible and informal rather than rigid. We want the programme to be accessible. Financial support will be available to help with travel, access costs and other practical barriers to taking part.
Selection and wider network
Spaces in the main cohort are limited to 8 to 10 participants. Applications will be reviewed by the programme team, with the aim of bringing together a diverse mix of people across disciplines, backgrounds, career stages and locations.
Who we’re looking for
People based in Scotland who are involved in making creative work happen. This might include producing, organising, developing projects, supporting artists, running events, building partnerships, freelancing, working in a startup, or developing a creative business.
Because places are limited, we will aim to create a balanced cohort. We will consider:
What you hope to gain from the programme.
The challenges, gaps or opportunities you are currently facing.
How the programme might support your development.
Your availability to take part in most of the six sessions.
Your interest in sharing experience and learning with others.
The mix of disciplines, backgrounds, career stages and locations across the cohort.
Representation from people who are underrepresented in creative and business networks.
The deadline for applications is noon on Wednesday 23 September.
If you are not selected for the core cohort, there will still be opportunities to join the wider network and attend future events and activities. Creative Producer Meet-up is presented by Arcadia and delivered by Biome Collective in partnership with Creative Dundee and UNESCO City of Design Dundee, with support from the Scottish Ecosystem Fund.
Fantastic artwork created by Cat Loots.
If you have any questions about the application process or the programme in general please contact - arcadiadundee@gmail.com