Creative Partnerships Conference is Scotland’s flagship conference where art, industry and inclusion meet.

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 (https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/arc/contact/).

For detailed accessibility information about the venue, including step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, and other provisions, please click the button below.

Accessibility Information (https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/arc/accessibility/)

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 (https://www.creativescotland.com/) 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 (https://www.creativescotland.com/). Follow Creative Scotland on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-scotland), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/creativescots/).

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.

NFTS Scotland (https://nfts.co.uk/nfts-scotland) is a regional hub of the National Film and Television School, delivering short courses, certificate courses, and diploma courses. They also offer bespoke courses, designed and de

Description supplied by the event organiser.