Watershed and National Theatre Wales are delighted to announce a new programme targeting creative Digital Producers to help develop and foster Welsh talent. In the first scheme of its kind in Wales, Watershed’s Digital Producers Lab will train twelve Digital Producers, to develop creative technology projects in Wales and present audiences with extraordinary new cultural experiences.

What are Digital Producers? They are a vital part of our cultural and economic landscape, bridging creative and technology sectors. Highly skilled individuals, they deliver brilliant, innovative projects, bringing new products, services and experiences to the public. In our current climate of social, cultural, economic and environmental change, Producers can rally the diverse talents of scientists, artists, technologists, designers, amateurs and academics, to share ideas, take risks and develop projects that make extraordinary contributions to the UK’s growing creative economy. However, little opportunity has been given to Digital Producers in Wales until now to expand their networks and hone their valuable skills. This development programme addresses this lack of opportunity and seeks to up skill Digital Producers, who will then support each other, creating new business opportunities that will bring a return to the Welsh economy, and feed into the delivery of Arts Council of Wales’ digital development strategy.

Supported by Arts Council of Wales and delivered in collaboration with National Theatre Wales, the programme gives 12 producers the unique opportunity to undertake personal and professional development - through skills swapping, networking and knowledge exchange. Including bespoke sessions at National Theatre Wales' office in Cardiff, and the chance to spend dedicated time with peers at Watershed’s Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol. The Studio is a city-centre research lab that brings together a network of over 180 artists, designers, scientists and academics, to explore the future of mobile and wireless media and is a hub for creative producers.

Victoria Tillotson, Producer at Watershed, says

“Watershed are delighted to work in collaboration with National Theatre Wales to help develop Wales’ cultural talent through our pioneering Digital Producers Lab. We’re truly excited to learn what could happen if there were more opportunities for Digital Producers in Wales to expand their networks and polish their practice. I guess we’ll soon find out.”

Katherine Jewkes, Digital Associate at National Theatre Wales, says

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Watershed on the Digital Producer Lab. Digital is at the heart of all our work here at National Theatre Wales, and it’s exciting for us to be involved in a scheme which is setting out to create a space for Producers to reimagine their role within the context of digital, how it effects practice, creativity and innovation.”

Lisa Matthews, Portfolio Manager at Arts Council of Wales, says

“We want to encourage arts and creativity in Wales that ‘use digital’ to create art, develop new models of working and reach new audiences. With the expertise of Watershed and National Theatre Wales, this programme allows us to do that by supporting producers across artforms to use technology in inspired ways. We’re thrilled to support this exciting programme.”

The Digital Producers Lab is now open for applications. Selected participants will receive a bursary towards the cost of travel, accommodation and expenses, as well as a programme of activities delivered by Watershed and National Theatre Wales. The programe spans three months, beginning in September 2013. Find out how to apply.

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