PROGRAMMES: Creative Careers Programme

Creative Careers Programme

The Creative Careers Programme is designed to inspire, encourage, and guide young people ages 16-25 toward exciting opportunities in the creative industries, building the next generation of artists, creators, and innovators in East Lindsey and beyond.

Creative Careers Day 2025

On Wednesday 19 November 2025, Creative Careers Day took place at The Embassy Theatre in Skegness, a free event for young people aged 16–25 to explore opportunities in the creative industries.

Delivered as part of the national Discover! Creative Careers initiative, this free event provided a structured day of workshops, networking sessions, and practical guidance to support young people considering a career in the arts.

The programme was designed to build confidence and encourage informed decision-making. Participants engaged in workshops led by experienced professionals in areas such as dance, choreography, and music production. These sessions combined practical activities with insights into career development, helping attendees understand the skills and opportunities available within the sector.

Networking played a key role throughout the day, with highlights including an Industry Speed Dating session during lunch. This informal format allowed participants to connect directly with creative professionals, ask questions, and gain real-world perspectives. With a welcoming environment and dedicated spaces for discussion and reflection, Creative Careers Day provided a valuable platform for young people to learn, network, and take the next steps toward a career in the creative industries.

Photo Credit: Emma Chippendale

Choice of Workshops

Careers in Dance Talk with Kat Hendy

Co-Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Dance, University of Lincoln

Music and DJ Production Workshop with Noise Academy

Joe, from Noise Academy is a professional DJ and music educator with over 15 years of experience.

Industry Speed Dating

Enjoy a networking lunch with creative industry professionals and peers.

Choreography and Technique Workshop with Liam Portor

Independent Choreographer & Associate Artist, BA (Hons) Dance Programme

Industry Professionals that joined us for the Industry Speed Dating:

Jennifer McKie: Head of Lincolnshire Music Service
Simon Hollingworth: Freelance Creative Producer
Beki Doig: Producer
Holly Cox: General Manager, Lincoln Arts Centre
Shelly Hayward: LincsLivesNatters Media
Melissa Hommell: Director of Checkmate Productions
Elizabeth Atkins: Director, Checkmate Productions and Creative Producer, Grubby Knees
Bruce Knight: Director, Session Arts
Ryan Gillmartin: Writer, Actor, Event Producer
Chloe Avery: Visitor Experience Officer, Lincoln Arts Centre
James Turner: Director, Magna Vitae – SO Festival
Peter Helps: Chairman – Board of Trustees, Magna Vitae – SO Festival
Matthew Archer: Development and Partnerships Manager, Magna Vitae – SO Festival
Scarlet Hall: Assistant Producer, Magna Vitae – SO Festival
Kieran Spiers: Creative Producer, Magna Vitae – SO Festival
Maria Narducci MCIM: Marketing Lead, Magna Vitae – SO Festival
Hannah Alvey: Community Producer, Magna Vitae – SO Festival

Creative Careers Day 2024

We were fortunate to be joined by impressive professionals for Creative Careers Day, including Adam Perkins from Zest Theatre, Michael Hoyle from UK Events Crew, Sonya Hundal, a freelance writer and PhD student, and Katie Lou Green from Docks Academy. Additional experts, Ella Townsend and Lauren Parker from BFI, and Danielle Stoakes from Fantasy Island, also participated. Six schools attended, with a total of 61 attendees. The aim was to inspire a new generation of creative professionals and show the variety of careers in the Creative Industries and the routes in. The Embassy Theatre in Skegness, with its rich history and ongoing development to support the local community’s cultural needs, was the perfect venue. Overall, the event was well received, with students appreciating the chance to network and receive detailed advice from established professionals.

The day began with a welcome breakfast, allowing students and industry professionals to break the ice. This was followed by a panel discussion where speakers shared their journeys into creative careers, offering valuable dos and don’ts. After a lunch break the industry speed dating session took place, giving students a chance to discuss their future plans individually with the industry professionals. The day concluded with an open space platform, where students could work on their future plans using a five-year strategy.

The welcome breakfast and lunch speed dating were designed to help students feel comfortable and learn how to network. These sessions made it easier for them to ask questions about the creative sector. The industry speed dating panel was particularly impactful, showing students that even successful professionals started where they are now and highlighted the various paths one can take in the arts.