Bradford Producing Hub Launch PROPEL with backing from Jerwood

With the help of funding from the Jerwood Developing Artist Fund, Bradford Producing Hub are launching PROPEL, a new programme to support early-career Producers and Production Managers to develop their skills.

PROPEL will prepare people to deliver bold, ambitious new projects through placements with renowned national venues, festivals and events. Over two years, two cohorts of 6 early-career professionals from Bradford’s diverse communities will receive funding, training, mentoring and networking opportunities, helping them to be ready to deliver exciting new artistic work for Bradford 2025. The programme will see participants move from working on small scale projects for audiences of around 200 people to delivering projects that reach 10,000+.

The Jerwood Developing Artists Fund is a dedicated fund from Jerwood Arts to support arts organisations to deliver transformative early-career artist development programmes across the UK. Other organisations receiving money from the Developing Artists Fund include Leeds Playhouse, HOME Manchester and the Young Vic.

The successful application was made by Kala Sangam, who will manage this funding for Bradford Producing Hub.

Lisa Mallaghan, Director of Bradford Producing Hub said, ‘Bradford Producing Hub is delighted that our PROPEL programme will be supported by the Jerwood Developing Artists Fund. Over the last three years, BPH has delivered a range of introductory training for local aspiring creatives. This has set the groundwork for this next phase, which will propel some of our most exciting talent to the next stages of their careers. We can’t wait to see what they deliver for Bradford 2025!’

Lilli Geissendorfer, Director of Jerwood Arts, said: ‘These 16 programmes represent some of the most imaginative, ambitious and inclusive artist development programmes in the UK. In these challenging times, early-career artists need paid and fully resourced opportunities from organisations that can support them to take the time and space to build their confidence and grow their networks more than ever. Jerwood Arts’ mission to identify and nurture early-career artists, curators and producers means we are proud to back these vital programmes.

“The arts organisations we’re funding are deeply committed to improving conditions for early-career artists and enabling them to establish successful, sustainable careers. We are particularly excited to be working with so many organisations new to us including Bradford Producing Hub, Dundee Contemporary Arts and Mediale, alongside reimagined programmes from the likes of the Young Vic, Leeds Playhouse and Derby Theatre that reflect what early-career artists need today. We’re looking forward to evolving our portfolio over the coming years.’

You can read more about PROPEL here including the open call for organisations to host work placements.

Jerwood Arts is the leading independent funder dedicated to supporting UK artists, curators and producers to develop and thrive. We enable transformative opportunities for individuals across art forms, supporting imaginative awards, bursaries, fellowships, projects, programmes and commissions. We are committed to supporting artistic freedom of expression and being as inclusive as possible across all our work. We present new work and bring people from across the arts together through our exhibitions and events across the UK and online. jerwoodarts.org