OPEN CALL: Factory International x EUNIC Creative Producers Programme

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Announcement

We would like to thank everyone who applied to the Factory International x EUNIC Creative Producers Programme 2026. The open call attracted 141 applications from across the eligible countries, and the overall quality of submissions was exceptionally high.

We can now confirm that all applicants have been notified of the outcome of their application via email, including successful candidates, shortlisted applicants and those who were not selected to progress to the final stage.

We are currently finalising arrangements with the selected participants and will announce the names of the 2026 programme delegates shortly.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to apply and share their work with us.

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A professional development and cultural exchange programme for creative producers working in regions represented in the EU National Institutes of Culture network

The Factory International x EUNIC Creative Producers Programme is a collaborative partnership between EUNIC and Factory International to enhance cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration between EU and the UK. It is intended that up to 14 creative producers from regions across EUROPE will be selected through an open call and supported by EUNIC, and one Manchester creative producer (nominated by Factory International), to gather in Manchester to attend networking, performance and learning events at Factory International and in its proximity.

Factory International is a renowned Manchester based organisation based at Aviva Studios, one of UK’s newest and influential cultural buildings. Factory International operates both Aviva Studios and the biennial Manchester International Festival (MIF), which focuses on brand new artistic work, made through high-profile international collaboration. Factory International also runs a series of international touring, digital, skills and training and public engagement work. 

EUNIC London (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is the network of the cultural institutes and embassies from the member states of the European Union in London. A branch of EUNIC Global, the London network was established in 2007 and presently has 37 members who share knowledge and resources in order to promote greater cooperation and develop partnerships between European nations and UK organisations.

Expenses related to the project including travel, accommodation, per diems and ETA visas will be covered.

The call is open to applicants who are nationals of, or legally resident in, one of the following eligible countries: Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden. 

Objectives

1. International Collaboration: Develop a network of cross-disciplinary creative producers from the EU and foster partnership amongst participants and UK partners
2. Capacity Building: Establish a peer learning platform for EU-UK creative practitioners to share best practices, ideas, works and contacts 
3. Networking: Facilitating connections between creative producers from the EU with UK-based producers, artists and organisations to catalyse organic EU-UK collaborations

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, applicants must complete the application form via the Form linked below.

Please ensure that all required sections of the Form are fully completed before submission. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application link:
https://forms.gle/DVmqhwZ8DdmqrDQu8

Application deadline:
9 February 2026, 12:00 noon (GMT)

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

This opportunity will be particularly beneficial for programmers, curators and arts professionals with a proven interest in creating and producing cross-disciplinary arts works.  We will prioritise delegates that demonstrate a significant interest in UK/international collaboration, and the potential to work on future collaborative projects with Factory International and partners in North West England. Applicants might be: 

• Creative producers and producer-programmers who work closely with artists across disciplines on the creation and delivery of new work
• Cultural producers interested in cross-disciplinary arts and the public realm
• Festival directors and programme producers with hands-on experience in developing artistic projects with artists 
• Next generation arts leaders 
• Have at least 3 years of experience working in the industry
• Be available on the dates listed below

Applicants MUST be:

• Nationals of, or legally resident in, one of the following eligible countries:
  Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden.

We particularly welcome applications from a diverse range of professionals: including women, gender minorities, people with disabilities, and people from underrepresented groups. We would welcome both emerging and established level professionals. 

Please note that we are not looking for applications from artists for this opportunity unless they are involved in other influencing roles in the arts sector in a professional capacity.

SELECTION  PROCESS

Applications submitted via the Form will be reviewed through a joint process led by EUNIC London and Factory International, supported by a committee of cultural specialists. 
Selection will be based on professional experience, interest in international collaboration, and the overall balance and diversity of the cohort.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome following the completion of the selection process in the first week of March 2026. 

Contact: 

If you have any questions regarding the application process or the programme, please contact:
international@factoryinternational.org or contact@eunic-london.org

TIMELINE

19 January 2026
Open Call published

9 February 2026
Deadline for submissions

16–23 February 2026
Evaluation of applications and selection

Week commencing 2 March 2026
Selected participants receive confirmation from EUNIC regional offices
Final list of participants confirmed
Visa applications begin (if required)

Please ONLY APPLY if you are available on ALL of the following dates:

14 April 2026 | 10:00–11:30 BST
First online meeting with the cohort
Agenda: Introduction and programme brief

12 May 2026 | 10:00–11:30 BST
Second online meeting with the cohort
Agenda: Familiarisation and itinerary design

9 June 2026 | 10:00–10:45 BST
Third online meeting with the cohort
Agenda: Familiarisation, programme confirmation and pre-travel questions

5 days between 25 June and 5 July 2026 (exact dates TBC)
Programme in Manchester, including attendance at opening event(s) at Aviva Studios, cultural visits across Greater Manchester, and meetings with local artists and practitioners

September 2026
Fourth online meeting (post-event update with the cohort)

October 2026
(Optional) Participant sharing with colleagues in their own region. (Supported by regional EUNIC offices).

We look forward to receiving your applications!

The project is supported by the EU Delegation to the UK and EUNIC Global Cluster Fund Call.