The Tent People launch Innovative Community Producer Development Programme

The social enterprise, based in Hayfield, has secured £30,000 funding from Innovate UK to develop a pilot project to train and develop creative producers working in the High Peak and Derbyshire.

Over a six-week period during February – March participants will hear from industry experts on a range of topics including creative concept development, artistic ambition, finance, project management and effective promotion, giving participants the time and space to develop new ideas in a structured and peer supported environment.

There are ten fully funded spaces available which are ringfenced for people who aged over 19, live in the High Peak or Derbyshire and have an income of less than £25,000 annually; and the course aims to equip people with the knowledge, skills and network to take their career to the next level.

Lyndsay Thomas, Director at The Tent People says: “The core of our business is about creating space for communities to gather and come together to learn, express themselves and to strengthen relationships with other members of their community. The community producer development programme is an extension of this as we want to train and support more people to have the confidence to build and develop new creative ideas. The fact that we have the production capability to support these ideas is what makes this training unique. We can make them come to life which is often very difficult to do if you don’t have access to the resources and infrastructure.”

The course is being written in partnership with Field 19 who are a consulting organisation that develop learning and education projects with some of the UKs biggest cultural brands including Southbank Centre, Factory International and Arts Council England.

Jocelyne Underwood, Director at Field 19 says “The work that the Tent People are leading is so important to make opportunities accessible to people who may not have had them before. It can be very difficult for people to get a foot in the door of the arts and creative sector as a producer and often people begin their career with voluntary or unpaid experience. This development programme will provide the ‘hidden’ knowledge on what producers do – we very much want to lift the lid on how to create the magic. By sharing this knowledge in a supported learning environment, we will increase creative output for individuals, communities and the sector.”

The course runs from 18th February to 25th March and applications close on 7th February. Travel expenses are paid and food is provided on training days which are every Tuesday 10-3pm. For more information on the course and eligibility criteria please visit: https://thetentpeople.co.uk/community-producer or apply direct here: https://forms.gle/7BdM3CHE3KdnuYEp6

Info about The Tent People

Founded in 2021, The Tent People is a social enterprise committed to providing affordable, high-quality cultural experiences. Based in Hayfield, High Peak. At The Tent People, we’re focused on providing high-quality, accessible, and diverse events. We aim to have a positive impact on local communities by employing local people, supporting the local supply chain, and being guided by a community-led steering group.

Our mission is to drive inclusion and community cohesion in rural areas through arts and cultural events.

Our objectives include:

– Making artistic, cultural, and creative activities accessible to everyone.

– Contributing to the local economy and providing opportunities for local people.

As a social enterprise, we prioritise community profit, organising accessible and (mostly) free events that showcase a wide range of artists and performers.

For more information, visit thetentpeople.co.uk or follow us on instagram.com/thetentpeople For media inquiries contact: Lyndsay Thomas lyndsay@thetentpeople.co.uk

For more information and to apply click here: Community Producer Training Flyer