Future Hustlers
Developing the next generation of Midlands creatives
Future Hustlers is the talent development arm of The Hustle Collective, supporting and developing the incredible community of artists, makers, producers, promoters, and creatives who help make Nottingham and the wider Midlands such a thriving place. We began by focusing on how we could better support the people who make Hockley Hustle happen - and what started as a promoter mentorship scheme has grown into a full programme of industry events, artist development, and year-round creative support.
We began by focusing on how we could better support the people who make Hockley Hustle Festival happen. As it is the promoters who curate the festival's brilliantly diverse line-ups and bring the party year after year, we launched our Promoter Mentorship Scheme in 2022.
In its first year, we ran an open call and selected 15 participants to take part in a programme of mentorship and workshops led by established promoters and special guests, including Marina from Ladies Music Pub and Alanna Henry from Jazz Refreshed. This initial cohort featured a powerhouse of next generation promoters, many of whom continue to work with us today.
In 2023, we introduced Industry Day in collaboration with Ladies Music Pub, a London based organisation dedicated to platforming and supporting women and gender non-conforming people in the music industry. Industry Day 2023 was hosted across Rough Trade and Antenna, delivering a full day of panel talks, workshops, and one-to-one sessions attended by 250 creatives from across the Midlands.
Industry Day 2024 took place at Fisher Gate Point, with a stronger focus on workshops and hands-on support sessions, complemented by a smaller selection of curated panel talks covering key industry themes.
In 2026, we launch our first-ever Future Hustler Artist Development Programme, connecting with Midlands-based artists, makers, and creatives. The programme will centre mentorship, open discussion, and tailored opportunities for professional and creative growth.
After reviewing an outstanding range of applications, we have brought together a group of individuals with diverse levels of experience to foster collaboration, peer support, and a shared understanding of the importance of community building in sustaining a career in the arts.
More from Future Hustlers
Developing the next generation of Midlands creatives through mentorship, industry events, and year-round support.