Develop your creative practice, strengthen your pitching skills, and explore new ways of bringing ideas to life.
As part of SO Festival’s commitment to supporting artists, producers and creative professionals, we’re delighted to present a new free series of talks and workshops running throughout 2026.
Whether you’re looking to improve accessibility in your work, secure bookings for your projects, or transform your ideas into meaningful experiences, these sessions offer practical advice and real-world insights from industry experts.
Stopgap Dance Company
Thinking Creatively About Access
28 September 2026 | 13:30 – 17:00 | Online
Join Stopgap Dance Company for an engaging and practical session exploring how accessibility can become a creative opportunity rather than a barrier. This session will help participants develop confidence in creating more inclusive experiences and understand how access can enrich artistic practice.
Christina Poulton
5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Out Freelance
14 October 2026 | 10:30 – 12:30 | Online
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your freelance practice, this practical session with Christina Poulton will explore five key lessons learned from over a decade of freelance work. Discover how to talk about what you do, find opportunities, stay organised, work more efficiently and build a creative career that works for you.
Dom Kippin, Without Walls
Pitching and Making Your Practice Stand Out
25 November 2026 | 16:00 – 17:30 | Online
Gain valuable insight into what festival programmers look for when reviewing pitches and proposals. Drawing on extensive experience in the outdoor arts sector, Dom Kippin will share practical advice on presenting your work effectively, avoiding common mistakes, and increasing your chances of securing festival bookings.
Christina Poulton
Writing Funding Bids
9 December 2026 | 10.30 – 12.30 | Online
