We’ve tried to make the application process as accessible and straightforward as possible. To apply, simply click on the ‘APPLY NOW’ button and answer each question on the form. You may answer in video format at the top of the application page, or by typing in the boxes below – whatever works best for you.

If you have any access requirements or need further support when applying, please contact learning@factoryinternational.org.

Yes, attendance at all sessions is required to participate in the programme. This includes all full days and evening sessions. Travel expenses for required sessions will be covered. For any access requirements or additional support when applying, please contact learning@factoryinternational.org.

All mandatory dates are listed in the ‘Programme Delivery Dates’ section above. Applicants must commit to the entire programme including all of the dates shown in the schedule. There will be other optional opportunities outside of these dates, which participants are expected to attend if possible. 

Young Curators is a 12-month, development programme for six young creatives aged 18 to 30. Through a series of workshops, masterclasses, and expert mentoring, participants will gain the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to curate innovative and bold work that reflects the collective’s shared creative vision. The programme explores curation and programming, with sessions delivered by industry leaders. Participants will work directly with artists, curators, producers, and Factory International staff, and will have the chance to curate commissions at Aviva Studios. This hands-on experience will equip them with the confidence, connections, and expertise as future leaders in the arts.

This programme is free. Food and travel will be covered for all days required to attend. (Up to £8 per person travel expenses per in-person day – please email learning@factoryinternational.org if you require further financial support for travel due to access needs). 

• Food and travel expenses on in-person days. (Up to £8 per person travel expenses per in-person day – please email learning@factoryinternational.org if you require further financial support for travel due to access needs). 
• Access to technology needed to complete the programme. 

You’re eligible for this programme if you meet all of the following criteria: 

• Based in Manchester or Greater Manchester 
• Aged 18-30 yrs
• Underrepresented in the creative industry
• Available on all delivery dates
• Have previously engaged with Factory International as a participant
• Are willing to experiment, push boundaries and work collaboratively  

If you think you may be eligible but aren’t sure, please contact learning@factoryinternational.org for further support. We’re aware of the barriers young creatives may face within the creative industry, and we don’t want that to stop you receiving a career-defining opportunity for growth and development. 

A participant of Factory International is someone who has engaged with a Factory International activity before. You may have been enrolled on a Factory Academy course or part of an artist development opportunity or even attended a workshop delivered by the Factory International team.

If you’re unsure about whether you’re a previous participant, please contact learning@factoryinternational.org for further support. Please note, purchasing a ticket to attend a Factory International event doesn’t make you a participant.

Underrepresented groups are those who have a lack of representation, and consequently less of a voice, in a specific industry or body. For this programme, we’re particularly keen to hear from applicants whose lived experience is currently underrepresented within the UK creative industries, including but not limited to those from low-income backgrounds, trans and gender diverse people, women, people from the Global Majority, and those who identify D/deaf, disabled and/or neurodiverse. 

The first step is to apply on our website today! Following the 28th October closing date, a number of applicants will be selected by our panel (composed of a range of Factory International team members and freelance delivery professionals) to participate in an interview on Tuesday 5 November, and in the days after you will be notified if you’ve been successful.

We’re looking for a cohort of young creatives, with varied experience and artistic disciplines. At Factory International, we aim to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary art. This project reflects that core vision, so we’re looking for artists/creatives of all disciplines.

Whether you work with AI, digital, music, content creation, photography or even something creative that may not fit into any box, we want to hear from you. Many people who could have had a place on the programme won’t apply due to believing they aren’t the right kind of artist or creative – if you’re creative and want to be part of the Young Curators programme, please apply.

We’re looking for a cohort of young creatives with varied experience and artistic disciplines. You may have an interest in creativity or art or you may be a practising professional, who has strong ideas about what curation should look like at Factory International. We will select a varied cohort, from those with an active interest or passion in creativity to professionals in the creative industry to performers and a range of other backgrounds. You don’t have to have worked professionally or curated before to take part in this programme – if you’re creative and want to be part of the Young Curators programme, please apply.