We are thrilled to announce that Watershed has been awarded a substantial grant by Arts Council England for our new Creative Producers International programme.

Combining the skills, networks and ambitions of Watershed and partners from UK, Lagos, Mexico City and Tokyo, this global programme will build on Watershed’s Playable City to create a lasting network of individuals, organisations and communities sharing ideas, skills and projects in person, online and in public events in Bristol and Tokyo.

Creative Producers International is a three-year programme designed specifically to build the capacity of Creative Producers as city change-makers, supporting them to engage communities and deliver public-space projects that inform the evolving dynamics of their city.

Partners in this global programme include British Council, UWE Bristol, RSC, Manchester International Festival, Situations, Somerset House, Unlimited, Future Lagos (Nigeria), Rhizomatiks (Japan) and Labaratorio para la Ciudad (Mexico), as well as Watershed.

Clare Reddington, Watershed’s Creative Director says:

“Conversations about the future city are often more focused on policy and technology than people and culture. This support from Arts Council England will enable Watershed, British Council and a group of incredible partners to develop a global cohort of Creative Producers as future city leaders, putting art at the forefront of re-imagining citizen engagement, creating welcoming public spaces and people-centred infrastructure."

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, says:

“We’re delighted to be supporting Watershed’s Creative Producers International: a three year talent development programme, supported by a really strong set of partners. The project will have broad international reach, build new networks and partnerships and establish a programme of talent and leadership development for artists working in the public realm. We believe that arts and culture can make a valuable contribution to society – it can be a strategic national resource. This project seeks to enable producers to imagine creative responses to local city challenges and deliver innovative public realm arts projects that respond to these challenges. We look forward to seeing how the project progresses.”

Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme aims to develop artistic and cultural talent and leadership in the regions and give an international dimension to excellent work. The fund is aimed at stimulating and supporting ambition, talent and excellence across the arts sector in England.

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