In 2007 The Producers: Alchemists of the Impossible (ACE/Jerwood) recognised that the “producer is a role that has struggled to establish itself in the arts. Yet at this time of massive social, cultural and environmental change, perhaps we have never needed them more... producers make an extraordinary contribution to the arts...and to the public.” 

Since 2009, iShed has been supported by Arts Council England to take delegations of people working in the arts and cultural sector to SXSW in Austin Texas, one of the leading interactive festivals in the world.

In 2011, iShed expanded the trip into a Creative Producers development programme. Funded by Arts Council England, the programme brought together ten digital producers with a track record of delivering brilliant, innovative work, to support their personal and professional development through skills swapping, networking and knowledge exchange.

The programme was split into two parts, a trip to SXSW and a Producers' Summer School, in partnership with the University of the West of England’s Digital Cultures Research Centre. SXSW Interactive offers the opportunity to network, view work and spot emerging digital trends from across the globe. The five day summer school at the Pervasive Media Studio explored different aspects of creative technology production including developing an idea, project management, making a sustainable business, Intellectual Property, pitching to clients and funders.

Read blogs by participants in the delegations to SXSW here.