The Children's Media Conference Bursary 2026

Closing date for applications: 25th May 2026 at 11.59pm

Conference dates: 7th, 8th and 9th July 2026

Explore this unique opportunity to attend an upcoming conference on children's media content.

The Children’s Media Conference is the only gathering in the UK for those aspiring to or working in developing, producing and distributing content to kids. We welcome attendees from film, TV, radio, games, licensing, toys, books, magazines and the cultural sector.

The conference takes place in Sheffield, UK over three days (Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th July 2026) with an international market day, sessions, keynote speeches, social events and networking. Travel and expenses will be provided as part of the bursary.

We welcome over 1,000 industry professionals, enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in children’s media, including those working at companies such as: Aardman, BBC, Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Sky Kids, YouTube, Magic Light Pictures, NBCUniversal and many more.

What will the Bursary Scheme Include?

The CMC bursary scheme offers people who would not usually be able to attend the conference the ability to do so. If successful you will be able to join us in Sheffield and take part in everything CMC has to offer. Successful applicants will:

• Receive a delegate pass for the conference for the 7th, 8th and 9th July. This includes access to sessions, keynotes, networking and social events.
• Be invited to a Zoom session – Date TBC (week commencing 29th June) to meet allocated mentors from the children’s media industry and find out information about the conference.
• Be provided with 2x nights in a hotel in Sheffield (7th and 8th July).
• Travel will be organised and paid for by CMC to and from the conference in accordance with our travel policy.
• Meals provided from Tuesday evening to Thursday afternoon.
• CMC Business cards for each individual to use during the conference.
• The allocated industry mentors will meet bursary members informally during the conference
• Guidance on how to navigate the conference and support from the CMC Bursary Coordinator to ensure they receive the best possible benefit
• Lunchtime meet up with other young attendees, conference delegates and their mentors – organised by the CMC Bursary Coordinator.
• Follow up zoom calls with allocated mentor up to three times after the conference.

Application questions

Please send your CV and answer the following questions in the same document:

• Why do you want to attend CMC 2026?
• Which creative industry sector are you interested in working in and why?
• Do you have any access requirements for the application process or attending CMC 2026? Additionally, please provide your location and the anticipated cost of travel expenses.
• You may include a link to examples of your work with your CV as one document; please note that submitting a portfolio or creative work is optional.

To apply

• Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity
• Upload your CV and your answers to the questions above as one document (applications without this will not be accepted)
• Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully
• Do not contact the company directly
• Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk
  

This opportunity is open to individuals from groups that are under-represented in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: disabled people, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers.

The successful candidate for this opportunity will also participate in a Creative Access support programme that sits alongside workplace training. This includes a programme of induction training, monthly masterclasses, wellbeing support, buddying / mentoring and more.