IETM Focus Bradford 2025 - 22-24 October 2025
With international relations having entered a new period of upheaval, we come together in Bradford to consider what this means for the future of cross-border creative collaboration.
Europe is at a crossroads, grappling with the continued rise of populism, the collapse of traditional allegiances, and responding with increased emphasis on military expenditure.
It is in this context that the European Union is currently deciding its future funding structures for culture. These decisions influence the ability of performing arts practitioners to collaborate across borders, not least via Creative Europe, the EU’s flagship cultural funding programme in which 40 European countries participate. With current developments as a backdrop, we’ll delve into critical questions about international collaboration.
Leaders from the performing arts sector and European policy arena will join us to digest and debate the options ahead. As global tensions rise and the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit reality, we’ll allow ourselves to think big and imagine what an expanded Creative Europe might look like. Can it become a programme that welcomes participation from all corners of the globe?
As we explore that possibility, we’ll also look at how Creative Europe’s priorities around the green transition and social inclusion take shape on the ground. Focusing on artist mobility, creative practitioners will share inclusive practices that centre disabled artists and new approaches to environmentally sustainable touring. Together, we’ll exchange ideas, ask questions, and spark fresh thinking.
This wouldn’t be an IETM meeting without the opportunity to expand your networks, so there will be plenty of opportunity to connect with fellow participants and seek future collaborators.
Rooted in the unique context of where we meet, we’ll draw on perspectives shaped by the UK’s post-colonial legacy - a country of four nations, each with devolved government and arts funding structures, and the city of Bradford, where nearly 40% of people trace their cultural heritage beyond Europe.
Making the most of Bradford’s status as the UK City of Culture, participants will be able to enjoy an exciting artistic programme of UK and international work presented as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and at Transform festival (21-25 October) in nearby Leeds.
We’re delighted to announce the first performance in the artistic programme - the world premiere of Elmet by The Javaad Alipoor Company. We have a ticket allocation reserved especially for IETM Focus participants, which you can buy here until 13 October (password: IETM) - book now to secure your place.
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Registrations are now open for IETM members and for all disabled cultural professionals (both members and non-members). From 1 September at 10:00 CEST, non-members will be able to register. Do you want to secure your spot during the summer and join IETM’s community? If you want to register early, check out how to become an IETM member here in order to receive early access. You can start planning your trip by consulting our practical information page. |
Please note: Travel arrangements to the UK changed in April 2025, including for travellers from European countries, with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme coming into effect. Please check our Visas page for further information.
IETM Bradford Focus Meeting 2025 is co-organised by IETM, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and IETM member caravan, Farnham Maltings and our associate members Creative Scotland and Arts Infopoint UK, a partnership initiative led by Wales Arts International/Arts Council of Wales with support from Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
