Creative Opportunities
This page is dedicated to sharing creative opportunities both here at Exeter Phoenix and from other creative projects and organisations in the region.
Current Opportunities
Commission Film Cast & Crew callout
The team are looking for the following cast and crew for our upcoming short film ‘Sick of it’, supported by the Exeter Phoenix Devon short film commission, shooting Mon 10 - Sun 16 Aug, in Dawlish, Devon.
Crew
- 1st AC
- Gaffer
- Hair and Make-up
- Sound recordist (13th & 14th August only)
Cast
- Vikas: Male, 30s to 50s, South Asian, English/Hindi Speaking
Travel costs & food covered.
Please reach out via Dm on Instagram @sickofit_shortfilm or email us on sickofitshortfilm@gmail.com for more info!
Exeter Cathedral Photography Competition 2026: ‘Light’
Submission Window: 1-31 August 2026.
Exeter Cathedral invites photographers of all skill levels to take part in its 2026 Photography Competition this August.
- The Theme: Light – exploring spiritual significance, the warmth of mid-summer and the fundamental element of photography.
- Location: Photos must be taken inside Exeter Cathedral (interior only).
- Categories: Colour (18+), Black & White (18+) and Junior (Ages 11–18). Entrants may submit up to two photos.
Winners will receive a £50 Exeter Independent Gift Card, a £50 London Camera Exchange gift card, a 3-course dinner for two at Dotties Restaurant (Hotel Indigo) and inclusion in an autumn exhibition.
To read the full terms and submit your photos starting Sat 01 Aug, visit click here
Producer Lab
Applications open Tue 21 July
Applications close: Tue 25 Aug
BFI NETWORK South West, in partnership with Screen Cornwall and Exeter Phoenix, are pleased to announce a new one-month Producer Lab. This lab will support six producers based in the south west of England who have experience in producing short films (live action, documentary, or animation), or in producing documentaries, commercials, corporate films, or promotional content. It is also open to those with a background as a TV production manager or coordinator. Participants should be aiming to transition into producing financed, scripted projects and to develop a slate of short films through their own production company. Across online sessions and one in-person day, we’ll offer practical guidance and insights – including soft skills – that participants can later apply to larger budgets and long-form projects.
Exeter Northcott Scratch Night in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix (Elevate Festival)
Applications close 10am, Mon 28 Sep
Exeter Northcott Scratch Night in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix offers South-West based artists in need of an audience a chance to stretch their ideas and the opportunity to test their work in the Clifford Room at the Barnfield Theatre, along with £150 to help develop their idea and a small amount of rehearsal space before the Scratch Night.
This Scratch Night will be taking place at Barnfield Theatre during Elevate Festival on Mon 02 Nov, 7pm - 9pm.
Make Space - Open Call
Applications close 10pm, Mon 14 Sep
Make Space unlocks spaces within arts organisations for artists to set up, test and reflect on their work.
Through Make Space, artists can apply for space in partner organisations for focused periods of time. For the 2026 pilot, our partners are KARST in Plymouth and Spike Island in Bristol.
Many artists in the region either don’t have a studio, or don’t have adequate space to install work in a way which allows them to step back, critically review progress, document work professionally, and invite feedback from peers. Make Space responds directly to the identified needs of their network, and is informed by our Artists and Arts Workers Survey and Creative Conversations hosted by Plymouth Culture.
Two Short Nights Film Festival 2027: Short Film Submissions
Submissions are now open for Two Short Nights Film Festival 2027 for short films from every genre including drama, animation, documentary, artists moving image, experimental and music videos.
The 25th edition of Two Short Nights Film Festival will take place at Exeter Phoenix on Thu 04 Mar and Fri 05 Mar 2027.
Submission Deadlines and Fees:
- Early Bird Deadline: Sun 31 May (£6)
- Regular Deadline: Fri 31 Jul (£9)
- Late Deadline: Mon 31 Aug (£12)
- Extended Deadline: Wed 20 Sep (£17)
Ongoing Opportunities
Creative Hub Publication
Looking for creative opportunities in the South West? Our Creative Hub publication shares monthly updates on all things creative in Exeter.
Commissions
Every year Exeter Phoenix commissions new work, primarily from artists, filmmakers and theatre makers based in the South West region.
Little Scratch Night
What comes before Scratch? The itch, of course!
Little Scratch is an informal, safe and nurturing space for local creatives to not only talk through their ideas, but to connect with fellow creatives about the kind of work they want to create, on a monthly basis.
Exhibiting Opportunities
Gallery333 is a dedicated space to exhibit small, contemporary art installations. It is an intimate ‘window’ gallery space with a secure glass door situated in a busy location within the building. Dimensions are 125cm high x 74cm wide x 36cm deep.
NEW BAND SHOWCASE
New Band Showcase is a regular opportunity for emerging musicians to perform on the big stage at Exeter Phoenix! We are a proud supporter of new talent and accept applications to perform at future New Band Showcases on an ongoing basis. Please email us with a link to listen to your work.
Join Our Team Of Volunteer Stewards
None of the day to day activity at Exeter Phoenix could be accomplished without our passionate team of volunteers and staff to make it happen. We’re always looking for new people to get involved.