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. Up to 14 creative producers from regions across Europe will be selected through an open call and supported by EUNIC, alongside one Manchester creative producer (nominated by Factory International), to gather in Manchester to attend networking, performance and learning events at Factory International and its proximity. The programme offers exceptional opportunities for experience exchange, relationship building, and inspiring international collaborations.
A professional development and cultural exchange programme for creative producers working in Hungary
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 by the organisers. 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
- International Collaboration: Develop a network of cross-disciplinary creative producers from the EU and foster partnership amongst participants and UK partners.
- Capacity Building: Establish a peer learning platform for EU-UK creative practitioners to share best practices, ideas, works and contacts.
- Networking: Facilitating connections between creative producers from the EU with UK-based producers, artists and organisations to catalyse organic EU-UK collaborations.
Application Process
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.
Timeline
- 19th Jan 2026 – Open Call published
- 9th Feb 2026 – Deadline for submissions
- 16-23rd Feb 2026 – Evaluation of applications and Selection
- w/c 2nd March 2026 –Selected participants receive confirmation from EUNIC regional offices
- Final list of participants confirmed
- Visa applications by participants start (if necessary)
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 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
Please only apply if you are available on all of these dates:
- 14th Apr 2026, 10:00–11:30 BST – First online meeting with cohort. Agenda: Introduction and Programme brief
- 12th May 2026, 10:00–11:30 BST – Second online meeting with cohort. Agenda: Familiarisation and Itinerary Design
- 9th Jun 2026, 10:00–10:45 BST – Third online meeting with cohort. Agenda: Familiarisation and Programme Confirmation, Pre-travel questions
- TBC 5 days between 25th Jun 2026 - 5th Jul 2026 – Programme in Manchester, including attendance of opening event(s) at Aviva Studios, cultural visits in Greater Manchester, meetings with local artists and practitioners, etc.
- Sep 2026 – Fourth online meeting (post-event update with cohort)
- Oct 2026 (Optional) – Participant sharing with colleagues in their own region (to be supported by regional offices)
The project is supported by the Liszt Institute London, the EU Delegation to the UK and EUNIC Global Cluster Fund Call.
We look forward to receiving your applications!