About this Event
About Creative Partnerships Conference
The Creative Partnerships Conference (CPC) is Scotland’s flagship conference, centring Black creatives and celebrating artists from other underrepresented backgrounds and their allies. This Be United programme delivers a series of vibrant national events where art, industry and inclusion meet.
Building from our four Scotland-wide Micro CPC events, this year’s main Creative Partnerships Conference event will take place on 15th and 16th October at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC), Glasgow, bringing together an innovative programme of workshops, showcases, panels, skill-sharing and networking sessions, and so much more.
Across the two days, we’ll be exploring the theme "Rooted & Rising" as we focus on stories that connect us. Ideas that move us. Opportunities that grow us.
Utilising creative connection, practical learning, collaboration and opportunity to bring Black creatives, creatives from underrepresented backgrounds, students, industry professionals and allies into one room.
This isn't just a conference to sit and listen.
Come ready to meet people, share ideas, create something and take your next step.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE PUT THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE SAME ROOM?
Maybe you've been looking for a funder.
Maybe you need a collaborator.
Maybe you're trying to understand your rights, build your brand, get paid fairly or figure out what's next.
Or maybe you simply want to meet people who understand where you're coming from.
CPC is a place to start those conversations.
You'll have opportunities to connect with creatives, organisations and industry voices, discover new possibilities, share knowledge and build relationships that can continue beyond the conference.
ROOTED → RISING
DAY 1 - ROOTED
Know your foundation. Own your story. Build your base.
Explore the foundations that support creative careers: culture, identity, wellbeing, rights, sustainability, skills and community.
DAY 2 - RISING
Turn your foundation into momentum.
Move into funding, career development, monetisation, negotiation, technology, visibility, collaboration and creative action.
The full programme is still being revealed, with more contributors and sessions to be announced.
COME READY TO PARTICIPATE
Bring your laptop, tablet or other device if you have one.
Some sessions will be practical and hands-on, so having your usual creative tools with you can help you get the most from the experience.
Bring your:
Ideas. Questions. Creative work. Curiosity.
And come ready to talk to someone new.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Creative workshops & experiments
Funding, finance, contracts & rights
Brand, marketing & PR
Technology, AI & new creative possibilities
Wellbeing & sustainable creative practice
Networking, collaboration & showcases
COME FOR THE PROGRAMME. STAY FOR THE CONNECTIONS.
You might leave with a new skill.
A new idea.
A potential collaborator.
A funding lead.
A new contact.
Or simply a conversation that opens something up.
You don't have to have everything figured out before you arrive.
You just need to be in the room.
Early bird tickets are available with a special promotional code, so you can secure your place at a discounted rate before the full programme is announced.
Keep an eye out for the early bird offer on our channels!
GETTING TO THE VENUE
The conference will take place at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow. For transport information, click here.
For detailed accessibility information about the venue, including step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, and other provisions, please click the button below.
Accessibility Information
AGE GUIDANCE
This is an industry-focused event intended for attendees aged 18 and over.
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDER
We would like to thank Creative Scotland, who supports our work through its Multi-Year Funding programme.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow Creative Scotland on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS CONFERENCE 2026 SPONSORS
We are happy to announce our 2026 Creative Partnerships Conference sponsors. We’re deeply grateful for their support in bringing this year's conference to life.
Based in BBC Scotland’s Glasgow headquarters and in Leith in Edinburgh—NFTS Scotland delivers the National Film and Television School’s world-class training across the region. Their portfolio spans innovative short courses, certificates, diplomas, and tailored training designed to nurture the breadth of local talent.
A key highlight is the Sean Connery Talent Lab, now recruiting for its fourth cohort. This transformative 12-month development programme is becoming a cornerstone of Scottish cinema by supporting emerging filmmakers with diverse perspectives. Over the course of the year, participants develop their craft, culminating in an industry-showcased short film and an NFTS Diploma in Filmmaking.
BECTU Vision aims to make Scotland’s Film and Television workplaces safer, fairer and greener while developing a skilled and supported workforce. Their programme of events and training is driven by ongoing direct consultation with the industry and is supported by our team’s first-hand experience working in the Film and TV industry. They also provide invaluable networking opportunities to foster relationships and connections within the Film and TV industry no matter what stage of your career or life you are currently at. BECTU Vision is a member of the Screen Training Alliance Scotland which has a shared Code of Practice which promotes fairness, respect and openness across all our work.
Looking to start your career in the screen industries or wanting to build on your expertise? Discover more about training, events and activities funded by ScreenSkills as well as those offered by other training providers here.
DYW West Lothian connects local employers with schools and young people across West Lothian to help build the future workforce the region needs. They make it easy for businesses to get involved from apprenticeships and work experience to career talks and mentoring by handling the school-side admin and helping employers find what works for them. Their focus is simple: real support for real businesses and young people, creating opportunities that benefit both.
MEDIA PARTNER
is a multi-award winning free arts, culture and events magazine that has been helping Glasgow and Edinburgh residents ‘get a life’ since 1985 and offers the UK’s largest events website. After nearly closing its doors in 2020 due to the pandemic, the magazine fully relaunched in March 2022 under the newly formed List Publishing Ltd, thanks to new investment and a successful crowdfunding campaign. The List won Best Relaunch at the 2023 PPA Awards and then went on to add international publishing to its list of accolades with the introduction of the award-winning Adelaide Summer Festivals Guide and The List Adelaide Winter Festivals Guide. It continues to grow its events arm with ListLive, The List Festival Awards and the award-nominated List Festival Party and Hot 100 events.
We’re proud to partner with The List to amplify the voices of creatives and share our opportunities with an even wider audience!
Don’t Miss Out and get your ticket today! This event is likely to sell out again!
#BlackCreatives #Networking #Creative Industries #Networking #ScottishArtists #Professional Development #PerformingArts #Cultural Events #Diversity and Inclusion #Opportunities #Workshops #CreativeCareer
Event venue & nearby stays
Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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