Fully Funded Artist Development Programme for Emerging Creatives

Are you a creative wanting to turn your practice into a career, but not sure where to start?

This course is designed for people at the earliest stages of building a creative career. Participants might be recent graduates, career changers, or people exploring self-employment or a side hustle that could become their main job.

Programme overview

Taking place on Wednesdays, 10am to 6pm on 1, 8, 15 and 22 July 2026 at:

HOST, Blue Tower, MediaCity, M50 2ST

This is a fully funded programme specifically designed for emerging creatives who are looking to build confidence, clarity, and direction in establishing a creative career.

Over four days, the programme will include a series of practical sessions, talks, and 1:1 mentoring. With a maximum of 12 participants, you will be part of a focused and supportive peer group.

As an emerging artist, you will leave with fresh perspectives, increased confidence, and practical tools to help you progress your creative career.

About the programme

The Artist Development Programme is led by Holly Ball, a Creative Careers Specialist with over fifteen years’ experience designing and delivering impactful careers and skills programmes. She specialises in inclusive project design and delivery, reaching underrepresented groups and building confidence.

This programme is designed for people who may not yet identify as an artist, or who are unsure whether a creative career is something they can pursue. It supports participants to build confidence, skills, and clarity about their future.

You will explore your goals, the realities of working in the creative industries, and identify practical steps to move forward with confidence.

Who it’s for

This programme is for creatives who live, earn, or study in Salford.

It is aimed at early-career creatives. In this context, early career means people who are two years or less into a creative career, it is not defined by age (however, you must be +18 to apply for this programme).

It is ideal for:

• Graduates
• Career changers
• Emerging artists and creatives
• People considering self-employment or freelance work

This is for you if...

• You've been considering making your creative practice your main job, but you don't know where to start
• You feel isolated and want a support network to establish your creative career

Maximum cohort size: 12 participants

What you’ll explore

Throughout the programme, you will work through:

• Building confidence in your creative identity 
• Understanding different creative career pathways 
• Developing strategic thinking and setting goals 
• Exploring opportunities in the arts and creative industries 
• Building a sustainable approach to your creative practice 
• Planning practical next steps for your career