Part of See It First 2026
A creative working space for artists and organisations across the West Midlands.
As part of See It First, we’re hosting an Artist Townhall style event in a slightly different and exciting format.
This is a facilitated, interactive space bringing together freelance artists, companies, and organisations to connect, reflect, play and share openly about the realities of making work in the West Midlands today.
Led by Belgrade theatres Associate Director Jay Zorenti-Nakhid, the session will use practical exercises, discussion, and breakout groups to create space for meaningful exchange and new connections.
What to expect
- A welcoming, active session to get everyone on the same page,
- Small, mixed breakout groups where artists and organisations can connect directly,
- Honest conversations about working in the region,
- Space to reflect on your own practice and hear from others across different stages of their careers.
Together, we’ll explore
- What artists need at different stages of their careers,
- Where the current gaps are in the West Midlands,
- What support already exists and what’s missing as well as good practice examples – lets shout about the amazing work everyone is doing!,
- How we might better connect and support one another.
Alongside this, there will be time for light-touch vision mapping, helping you reflect on your own journey and connect with others through shared challenges and ambitions.
Who is this for?
- Freelance artists at any stage of their career,
- Theatre-makers, performers, writers, directors, designers,
- Producers and creative practitioners,
- Organisations and companies supporting artists.
Why this space?
We know that conversations about artist development don’t always create space for everyone to speak or be heard.
This session is designed to centres peer exchange, lived experience, and collective thinking, creating a space where artists and organisations can meet on more equal ground and begin to map what’s needed together.
The session will be followed by a networking opportunity in our first-floor Burbidge Room from 5:15pm.
We are committed to reducing any barriers as much as possible to D/deaf, Disabled & Neurodiverse artists taking up this opportunity. If you have any access requirements, please contact Emma Worrall, Assistant Producer, by email at communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk to discuss. Alternatively, you can call 024 7684 6718. Please give us as much as notice as you can.