Theatre and Dance NI is delighted to offer 20 bursaries for arts practitioners based in Northern Ireland to attend the Performing Arts Forum Gathering in Belfast on 26th & 27th May 2026.
These bursaries are open to a wide range of practitioners, including (but not limited to): performers, dancers, composers, dramaturgs, directors, set, costume and lighting designers, technicians, and stage managers.
Bursaries available are:
- 15 Artist Bursaries for artists living within 20 miles of Greater Belfast Area.
- 5 Artist Bursaries for artists living 21 miles or more from the Greater Belfast Area.
Please note, bursaries are only available to TDNI members. Membership must be valid for a minimum of six months before being eligible for bursaries and development programmes. To become a member, please click here. Current INVEST artists are not eligible to apply for this bursary.
Performing Arts Forum (PAF) and Theatre and Dance NI (TDNI) have been long-standing collaborators. Over the years, we have worked together on sector-wide events and initiatives that foster a shared understanding of the needs, opportunities, and challenges facing artists and arts workers across the Island of Ireland. This collaboration has been invaluable in promoting knowledge exchange, professional development, sectoral growth, and community building. TDNI are delighted that PAF are bringing this major event in the performing arts calendar to Belfast.
The Gathering is an annual two-day conference for the performing arts sector, bringing together hundreds of artists, arts workers and arts organisation people from arts centres and production companies, festivals and funders are getting together in Belfast for two days of conversation, provocation, and inspiration. It features speakers, discussions, and artistic performances. Find out more about The Gathering here.
Sessions will take place in the Lyric Theatre with an artistic programme on the first evening of the event.
The event happens from approx. lunch time on 26 May to a late lunch on 27 May.
TDNI welcomes submissions from all eligible applicants, irrespective of religious belief, political opinion, race, age, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and people with or without dependants.
What the bursaries cover:
Belfast Artist Bursaries include:
- Ticket to the Performing Arts Forum Belfast Gathering (value ÂŁ110), including:
- All daytime sessions
- Two lunches and dinner
- Coffee breaks
- The artistic programme
Outside Belfast Artist Bursaries include:
- Ticket to the Performing Arts Forum Belfast Gathering (value ÂŁ110), including all of the above
- Accommodation and travel contribution of ÂŁ90
(To be arranged by the artist. See www.performingartsforum.ie for accommodation deals.)
How to Apply
All applicants must complete the application form below in full before the deadline.
Deadline: 5pm, Monday 2nd March
Bursaries will be allocated by a selection panel.
Applicants will be notified whether they have been successful or not and will have until Tuesday 31 March to accept their place.
For queries, please contact:
Molly Rose Elliott — projects@theatreanddanceni.org
Paul Donnelly — paul@performingartsforum.ie
Please make sure you have answered all nine questions in the form above and hit submit for your application to be processed.
TDNI is supported principally by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.