Organizer Information
Factory International is a prominent cultural organisation based in Manchester, UK, operating Aviva Studios and the biennial Manchester International Festival (MIF), known for commissioning and presenting new, high-profile artistic work through international collaboration. Factory International also runs touring, digital, training, and public engagement programs.
EUNIC London (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is the London branch of the global EUNIC network, representing EU cultural institutes and embassies. Established in 2007, EUNIC London connects European cultural organizations in the UK, facilitating partnerships, knowledge sharing, and collaborative projects.
Title & Description
Factory International x EUNIC Creative Producers Programme 2026
This professional development and cultural exchange program invites up to 14
creative producers from eligible EU countries and one Manchester-based producer to participate in an intensive networking, learning, and collaboration program. Participants will engage with
cross-disciplinary arts projects, attend events at Factory International, and collaborate with UK and EU peers to develop sustainable international artistic projects. The programme prioritizes applicants with experience in producing or programming cross-disciplinary arts, festival management, and arts leadership, supporting both emerging and established arts professionals. Expenses, including travel, accommodation, per diems, and ETA visas, are covered.
Categories
- Curatorial
- Art Management
- Residency
- Cross Disciplines
- Professional Exchange & Networking
Eligibility
- Nationals or legal residents of: Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden.
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in arts production, programming, or festival management.
- Emerging and established arts professionals are encouraged.
- Priority for women, gender minorities, people with disabilities, and underrepresented groups.
- Must be available on program dates: April 14, May 12, June 9, June 25–July 5, September 2026, with optional October participation.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully funded travel, accommodation, per diems, and visa support.
- Participation in networking, performance, and learning events at Factory International in Manchester.
- Access to cross-disciplinary arts projects and UK/EU cultural partners.
- Peer learning, collaboration, and project development opportunities.
- Support for post-program sharing in participants’ home regions.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 February 2026
- Program Dates:
- Online sessions: 14 April, 12 May, 9 June 2026
- In-person Manchester program: 25 June – 5 July 2026
- Online follow-up: September 2026
- Optional participant sharing: October 2026
- Notification of Results: Early March 2026
Location
Manchester, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The program is a collaboration between Factory International and EUNIC London, supported by the EU Delegation to the UK and EUNIC Global Cluster Fund.
- Focused on creative producers with the ability to facilitate cross-disciplinary arts projects and international partnerships.
- This is not open to artists unless they work professionally in influencing/producing roles.
