Creativity Works: Transforming Spaces was a new programme for 15 talented young Londoners kick-starting a career in set design and build for festivals, theatre and events. It was co-designed with A New Direction and one of our members, set designer Katie Fotis.

Over an initial 4-week intensive course, participants took part in industry-focussed training, covering creative concept to computer aided design, research to user testing, branding to fabrication. Paired with artist-mentors, trainees also completed a work placement designing, building and installing an interactive stage for the Barbican’s Walthamstow Garden Party in July.

Trainees met set designers, technicians, artists and event producers, developing skills in creative thinking, responding to live briefs, design thinking, project management, presentation and engaging audiences, as well as practical construction and making. Partners included Blackhorse Workshop, Punchdrunk, Block 9, Barbican, GP Johnson, Hirsch & Mann and Assemble.

They developed the skills, confidence and contacts to gain paid employment in the creative industries. Through a combination of live briefs and collaborative projects, industry talks, work placements, application support and professional mentoring, trainees had the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, get hands-on experience at a high-profile event and establish the groundwork they’d need for a bright future.