TOOLBOX
TOOLBOX:
A residential leadership & development programme for producers
At 101 Outdoor Arts and Online
TOOLBOX is organised in association with Bettina Linstrum.
TOOLBOX is our leadership and development programme for producers working in unconventional spaces.
TOOLBOX is a holistic residency programme for producers working in unconventional spaces, designed to nurture both the person and the professional. It offers space to explore new ways of working creatively, whilst building a sustainable career, avoiding burnout and becoming part of a supportive community.
TOOLBOX 2025 Video
What is Toolbox?
Toolbox uses a coaching leadership style and draws on peer-to-peer working to guide participants through key themes including:
- Self-awareness & personal values
- Belief systems & limiting narratives
- Managing stress & staying energised
- Values-based & authentic leadership
- Building a healthy, sustainable creative practice
You’ll leave with real, practical tools to navigate workplace challenges, stay connected to the passion that drives your work, and deliver your projects with greater impact and ease.
"Creative Producers are like a Swiss army knife, with different tools & skills available, depending on the task at hand. There is no clear pathway to becoming a producer, which makes it exciting, because it’s self-determined and can be lonely and exhausting. Toolbox is a space where creative producers can reflect on their practice and continual challenges, and rekindle their passion and creativity. We develop their leadership skills and sharpen their awareness of self and their boundaries in career and life. The residential experience and Action Learning sets make for strong bonding which create a long legacy of professional support.”
Bettina Linstrum
The Programme
Rather than a traditional ‘how-to-produce’ course, this programme is shaped by the experience in the room. Through peer-led formats like Open Space, we use the collective hive mind to identify hot issues and work towards solutions. Then, we can signpost to sources of further learning and dedicated training.
Each day starts with embodied practices like Qigong or yoga and ends with group activities such as bamboo building, knife throwing, conjuring and pyrotechnics - offering playful, energising ways to reconnect with yourself and others.
Toolbox Together
TOOLBOX TOGETHER brings together outdoor arts producers who have participated in the TOOLBOX residency programme for a few days away at 101 to reflect, re-energise and re-group!
Every year our network of outdoor arts producers builds, as we invite all of you to meet up with the colleagues that you know and those that you don’t for more time together. Sessions will be delivered through peer-to-peer and expert led personal and professional development sessions with lots of opportunity for reflection, learning and fun.
Who comes to TOOLBOX?
Over 60 producers from seven countries have taken part in TOOLBOX over the years. We recognise that everyone has different needs, experiences and works in different contexts. If you are producing work in unconventional spaces and are interested in ways to engage audiences and participants in transformative creative experiences then TOOLBOX is for you.
Previous participants have worked for festivals, artistic companies, funding organisations, place-based and participatory programmes and as independent producers. Seasoned producers generously give experience to those earlier in their journey whilst new perspectives from fresh voices reinvigorate the discussion and provide new inspirations.
The TOOLBOX Team
The TOOLBOX team is led by coach and facilitator Bettina Linstrum who is joined by respected leadership trainers Elaine Heslop and Katie Adams, offering deep insight into coaching practice, authentic leadership and personal vision. Toolbox alumni and producer Kate McStraw will help you explore how to widen access and inclusion in your work.
Throughout the programme, you’ll also hear from guest speakers, take part in creative workshops and have the chance to benefit from the experience and perspectives of the wider 101 team.
A Year-round Community
TOOLBOX goes beyond just one residency. TOOLBOX supports producers with a culture of honesty, understanding and compassion throughout the year - with facilitated online Action Learning Sets and TOOLBOX TOGETHER:
Facilitated Online Action Learning Sets are a space for creative problem-solving and peer learning through questions, reflection, action setting, and accountability.
TOOLBOX TOGETHER is a mini-residency which brings together previous TOOLBOX participants for further professional development sessions and creative activity.
Tools you'll gain from being part of the TOOLBOX community:
- Space and time to reflect and recharge
- The experience and perspectives of a wider range of other producers
- Holistic leadership skills
- Strategies to prevent burnout
- Practical tips to support wellbeing and mental health
- Coaching techniques to unlock your best self
- Techniques for building a coaching culture in your work
- Tools for tackling imposter syndrome
- Ongoing support through facilitated online Action Learning Sets
- TOOLBOX TOGETHER, a mini-residency for TOOLBOX alumni
- A trusted, ongoing peer network
