Creative Development

Our Creative pillar is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent in the city, whether that is music, photography or videography. We aim to equip participants with the tools, networks, and confidence they need to create their own careers in a way that works for them.

With the support of Big Team, our creative mentors and project partners, our ambition is that those taking part in our Creative Development projects are meaningfully supported to take the next steps in their creative practice.

Our training and mentorship activity is designed to encourage sustainable creative careers and long-term artistic collaboration. These projects go beyond inspiration as they focus on practical skill development, personal growth, mentorship, and real, paid opportunities to create, grow, and share their work.

  • Next Level

    Artist Development programme for emerging talent in Bristol. The cohort engage with studio spaces, mentoring, event / festival performances, talent development week and industry workshops.

  • Capture FORWARDS

    Capture FORWARDS is a paid photography programme that supports emerging photographers who want to work in the festival and events industry. This is done through mentoring, training, kit and editing provisions, and engagement at festivals such as FORWARDS Festival and Waterworks.

  • Film FORWARDS

    Film FORWARDS supports filmmakers in developing their careers in both festivals and the TV industry. This is done through mentoring, workshops, short-form and long-form film creation, and connection building.

“One of my main goals was to become more confident with my technical shooting skills, and I can definitely say I’ve achieved that through having more opportunities to practice.

I also wanted to create more of my own work and take on different projects, which the programme has really helped me to do.”

Watch the Film FORWARDS Documentary

Credit: Kim Sobotie

Credit: Siddiqui Media and Phoebe Holman

Credit: Siddiqui Media, Maria Rovira, Stella Jordan

“Capture Forwards has been one of the most thrilling, challenging and eye opening experiences. Big Team and everyone that is part of the project have been nothing but supportive, attentive and a joy to be around.

I feel like I have not only grown my editing skills, composition and the art of the exposure triangle  through the amazing workshops but also grown personally. I will never be able to thank them enough for the opportunity and for believing in me when, if I'm honest, I needed it the most.”