Cultural Producers Programme

A cultural producer makes things happen in a range of industries, including the cultural sector and increasingly in non-arts related sectors such as heritage, health, environment and within social action. Cultural producers are the people who pull the strings behind the scenes, collaborating with artists, technical staff, marketing teams, funders, project stakeholders and others to bring cultural events, ideas and programmes of all kinds to life. They work across art-forms, as freelancers or staff, in organisations of all sizes, often in local community settings.

Cultural producers are all-rounders, so training to be one means developing a broad range of skills, including personal skills such as communication, creativity, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure! 

The Cultural Producers programme is open to 18-30 year old Newham residents (living within the London Borough of Newham) who have some experience working or volunteering in any cultural or arts-related organisation or project, and who have the passion and drive to pursue a career in this field. 

The aim of this project is to empower individuals from the local community to become the next generation of cultural leaders in the borough. We particularly encourage applications from people underrepresented in these industries – including those from the global majority, those with disabilities, and those with socio-economic difficulties – as we believe it’s important that the Cultural Producers are representative of the diverse communities that make up Newham. 

Testimonials from our alumni Cultural Producers:

"The programme was exceptional and really did the job of making us into cultural producers." 

"The combination of classroom learning, the placement, and mentoring gave a very solid overview of the industry." 

"I’m more willing to apply for producer roles now … I feel I could apply for those jobs whereas I didn’t really feel like that before. 

"I believe I am a cultural producer now, so I act like one." 

If you would like to find out more about the programme, or how we can support you with your application, contact Tina Dugard at t.dugard@uel.ac.uk.

SELECTION PROCESS:

APPLICATIONS OPEN

• Monday 4 May – Sunday 7 June 

1ST INTERVIEWS (IF SELECTED):

• Monday 29 Jun

• Tuesday 30 June

• Wednesday 1 July 

2ND INTERVIEWS (IF SELECTED):

• Wednesday 8 July

• Thursday 9 July 

PROGRAMME DATES
(3 full days per week)

Start date:

• Tuesday 18 August 2026

End date:

• Thursday 25 February 2027  

To apply for the programme you must:

• be 18-30 years old 

• be currently living within the London Borough of Newham 

• have the right to live and work in the UK 

• have some experience volunteering or working in any cultural or arts-related organisation or project

• have the passion and drive to pursue a career in this field 

• be available for all the programme dates (see section below)  

• be able to commit to 3 full days per week during this period 

Please note that if any of the above points do not apply to you, you will not be considered for the programme.