SEEN: YOUR GATEWAY TO THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY – AND TO COMMUNITY ROUTES 2026

With the clock ticking on applications for one of the UK’s most talked-about creative development opportunities, Community Routes, Birmingham’s Punch Records invites young artists, performers and producers to SEEN – a one-day live creative gathering offering real access, real talk, and real opportunity.

Taking place on Thursday 25^th June - just days before the Community Routes 2026 deadline of 29^th June -  SEEN: Industry Day gives Birmingham and West Midlands-based creatives the rare chance to connect directly with the industry decision-makers, producers, and mentors behind the acclaimed Community Routes programme – now entering its third year.

SEEN is more than a high-energy networking event. It’s a rallying point for anyone aged 18–25 who wants to build a future in the creative industries, but hasn’t had the contacts, confidence, or conventional route to get there.  Come ready to chat, swap ideas, and help us rewrite the rules of the creative industries.

Whether you’re an emerging artist trying to find your footing, a future industry leader, or just someone who loves Birmingham's creative scene and wants to support a more inclusive community, this space is for you.

“SEEN is about visibility and access – showing the region’s emerging creatives what’s possible when they are not only seen, but heard, championed and supported,” said Bradley Morrison, Head of Marketing & Communications at Punch Records. “This is a genuine chance to speak to the people who can open doors, shape careers and help you fast-track your journey through Community Routes and beyond.”

Why Attend SEEN?

• Get face-to-face with the team behind Community Routes – and find out how to make your application stand out.

• Connect with key players across music, radio, theatre, digital arts and nightlife culture including Youth Music, CNTRL, Club Colette, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Punch Records.

• Find out how to access funding through partners like Youth Music’s NextGen Fund.

• Take the mic in the Spotlight Series hosted by viral creator Leah Heath – and pitch your creative ideas with the chance to be commissioned by Punch Records.

Featured Panels

• Getting SEEN – An unfiltered conversation with industry leaders including:

  • Michelle Myrie, Youth Music

  • Sophia Griffin, Birmingham Hippodrome

  • Faraz Taghavi, CNTRL / Club Colette

  • Cola B, Grime artist

  • Poppy Ringrose, Co-Founder of Sigil Radio

  • Leah Swain-Heath, Actor, Presenter – and headliner.

• Commissioned Artists Panel – Meet Community Routes alumni who’ve turned ideas into real-world exhibitions, music releases, and public events – and ask how they did it.

• Ones to Watch – Rising stars from across the region share what it takes to break through.

When & Where

Date: Thursday 25^th June, 5.30pm-9.30pm.Location: Pan Pan. Deritend, Birmingham.  Cost: Free to attend, but spaces are limited. Registration essential via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/seen-creative-industry-networking-event-tickets-1990972003859