PANDA Producers Consortium
Background
The PANDA Producers Consortium grew out of a Trainee Producer Scheme that PANDA piloted in early 2006. Three producers, all of whom were already working in the arts in various roles, were invited to take part in the scheme to provide creative and administrative support to PANDA’s Incubated Companies. All three producers worked with different companies on very diverse shows that collaborated for PANDA’s biannual showcase of emerging local talent: PANDA-monium, a Manchester First’s commission from Manchester International Festival.
After the PANDA-monium festival all three producers had gained a great deal of experience and insight into the profession and expressed a desire to continue developing their skills and working as producers in the arts world. Having identified a real need in the sector for producers, PANDA sought ways to continue to help develop young and emerging producers and over the course of evaluating the pilot project agreed to support the proposal, issued by the trainee producers, to set up a North West consortium.
The PANDA Producers Consortium is made up of three women based in North West, who are passionate about the arts, the future of the sector in the UK and their contribution to that future.
Aims of the Consortium
• To provide a resource which allows clients to source producers in the north west online
• To standardise a producing toolkit and develop a trusted brand for clients
• To share experiences, resources and professional techniques
• To build shared networks
• To work collaboratively on projects when required
• To produce a biannual festival of work
• To diversify streams in order to sustain a variety of projects