Background

Much has been learned over the past few years about the ways in which art practitioners have to navigate a range of complex legislative and funding systems in order to ensure they can continue with their practice and leverage a sustainable income. The impact of the pandemic has highlighted the need of support from those with experience in supporting individuals in developing and managing such funding systems as well as developing new approaches to working in the Creative and Cultural Industries.

Following discussions with key bodies in the sector and individuals who were involved in supporting artists, Future Screens NI established ‘Future Foundation’ in 2021.

This resulted is a successful mentoring programme that ran from 2021-2023, matching experienced practitioners to artists and creative freelancers who requested help and support. This scheme included mentoring in career and practice development, practical skills and advice on personal planning, identifying and applying for funding, and the acquisition of new practical and technical skills.

We are pleased to re-launch Future Foundation for 2025/2026, re-establishing our mentoring scheme and bringing a new programme of training and development opportunities to Northern Ireland’s creative sector.

Future Foundation 2025/26

The 2025/26 Future Foundation programme successfully delivered a comprehensive package of mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities to creative practitioners across Northern Ireland.

From November 2025 to June 2026, the mentoring programme matched 71 mentees with 42 experienced mentors, providing tailored support across career development, business planning, funding applications, skills development, and professional practice. To enhance the quality and impact of the mentoring relationships, Future Foundation partnered with AAB to deliver dedicated training for both mentors and mentees, ensuring participants were equipped to maximise the benefits of the programme.

Alongside the core mentoring programme, Future Foundation delivered the Future Stage XR Mentorship Programme, supporting creatives working in immersive and extended reality technologies. This was followed by a Technical Mentorship Continuation Programme, providing additional specialist support for participants who successfully completed the Future Stage XR programme and wished to further develop their technical expertise and projects.

A series of professional development and networking opportunities were delivered throughout the year, including an XR Day, a Freelance Connect networking event, and a Bespoke Communication Workshop. These events provided participants with opportunities to build skills, share knowledge, expand professional networks, and engage with peers and industry experts.

Recognising the importance of professional presentation and visibility within the sector, Future Foundation also hosted three headshot events across Belfast, Derry, and Enniskillen, enabling creatives from across the region to access high-quality professional photography to support their career development and promotion.

Through a combination of mentoring, specialist training, networking, and practical career support, the 2025/26 programme strengthened the capacity, confidence, and resilience of Northern Ireland's creative workforce, helping practitioners to build sustainable careers and adapt to an evolving creative and cultural landscape.

Future Foundation will establish and manage a bank of experienced mentors who will be made available to those seeking help in the following areas:

 ·        Developing new approaches to working in Creative and cultural industries

·         Enhancing practical skills and getting advice on career advancement

·         Identifying or rethinking options of financing, and making successful applications

·         Acquiring new practical and technical skills for working in the creative industries

·         Using or adapting technology to market, promote and expand their product or service

Individuals wishing to have support from the Future Foundation mentoring bank will apply and once approved will be allocated a suitable mentor.

Each mentee will be eligible to:

• 3-5 sessions with a mentor

• Attend a training seminar

• Access workshops/ lectures

FREE ACCESS TO LENA BY INSPIRE RESOURCES

To complement support from the Future Foundation team and our mentors, we are delighted to partner with Inspire to offer free access to the Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

The Wellbeing programme is open to all our mentors and mentees, providing:

• 24hr telephone support

• Confidential counselling up to 6 x 1-hour sessions

• Access to an online hub

• Monthly e-zines with Mental Health advice from Inspire.

Full information will be provided to successful applicants. For more details, contact: futurescreensni@qub.ac.uk