Shaping Creative Futures: Designing a Framework for Creative Producers
We're designing and testing a new qualification pathway for Creative Producers across the Arts sectors.
Project Overview
SaCSA is delivering an Implementation, Promotion and Monitoring (IPM) Activity Project to design a new qualification pathway for Creative Producers.
This project will explore and test the concept of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 Vocational Degree, designed to better prepare learners for advanced Creative Producer roles across the Arts sector.
The initiative responds to ongoing workforce shortages and a recognised gap between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education (HE) pathways.
Why this project matters
Creative Producers play a critical role in bringing creative work to life, managing projects from concept through to delivery. However, there is currently no nationally recognised qualification pathway that fully prepares individuals for these roles.
Industry feedback and workforce planning evidence shows that current VET qualifications lack advanced production, leadership and financial skills, while higher education pathways can be costly and often do not provide applied, work-ready experience. As a result, career pathways into these roles are often informal and difficult to access.
What we are doing
Through this project, SaCSA is working with industry stakeholders to design and test a new qualification framework that strengthens pathways into Creative Producer roles.
The proposed AQF Level 7 Vocational Degree will aim to:
- Strengthen alignment between industry and advanced technical and leadership capabilities
- Support workforce development through applied, industry-informed learning (Work Integrated Learning)
- Provide a clear and credible professional development pathway for emerging and mid-career Creative Producers
- Enhance mobility and recognition across the tertiary education system
Background
This project builds on insights from SaCSA’s Arts Workforce Plan Update 2025, which identified persistent shortages in Creative Producer and production management roles across multiple subsectors, including:
- Performing Arts (Producers)
- Visual Arts, Craft and Design (Producers)
- Digital Games (Producers)
- Screen (Line Producers)
- Production Managers across multiple creative environments
It also aligns with broader national priorities to strengthen the relevance, accessibility and effectiveness of Australia’s tertiary education system.
This project aims to:
Identify
Analyse
Design, Develop and Validate
Provide
Join the Project Reference Group
SaCSA is seeking expressions of interest to join the Project Reference Group for this project. Members will provide independent, timely and expert input to guide this work. Read the Terms of Reference to learn more about key responsibilities.
EOIs Close: Friday, 1 May 2026
Project Team
Terry Patriarca
General Manager, Project Design & Delivery
