A bright future for live events.

Metal is delighted to announce a new skills-based social enterprise Academy for Live Events Production Ltd (ALEP) has received initial investment from Creative Estuary through its Re:Generation 2031 programme.

ALEP is a new organisation that has the potential to transform the live events sector through a pioneering programme focused on live events skills and training. The investment from Creative Estuary will enable the new standalone social enterprise company to begin its work centred on a creative skills focus through live community events, supporting the ambition of Re:Generation 2031 to develop the next generation of cultural and creative leaders. With this initial investment, Re:Generation 2031 is delighted to be supporting a sustainable solution to the talent pipeline for the live events industry by providing the opportunity for young people to develop practical skills in their own communities.

ALEP’s long-term vision is to expand live events across the region by creating the next generation of skilled, trained events professionals, as well as providing opportunities for existing events professionals to upskill and gain specialist qualifications.

ALEP has grown out of the team at Metal who have been part of the development and growth of Village Green and Village Green: Next Generation over the last 13 years (2008-2021). ALEP will be able to build on the incredible achievements of the skills aspects of Village Green over the past 10 festival editions as a much needed creative skills entity, continuing the good work that has started, and to flourish as an independent organisation.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport funds the Cultural Development Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.