Belfast International Arts Festival invites submissions from artists or companies who wish to present information about newly created works to national and international delegates as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival Showcase 2025. The Showcase is funded by Culture Ireland and Belfast City Council and delivered in partnership with Theatre and Dance NI, and British Council Northern Ireland.
Each successful applicant will have an 8-minute platform to introduce their work to national and international delegates attending the festival during the Showcase, a three-day event showcasing the best theatre and performing arts from across Northern Ireland. Watch the Showcase reel from 2024 below:
This opportunity will take place at the Crescent Arts Centre on Friday 31st October commencing 10.00am.
Showcase Objectives
- To provide a platform for artists/producers to present and promote their work to national and international presenters.
- To create opportunities for artists to build national and international touring networks for their work.
- To introduce national and international programmers to emerging artists and companies.
Qualifying Criteria
Applications must meet the following criteria:
- The proposed work must be either a professional production which has premiered over the past 18 months, and which is now ready to tour nationally and/or internationally or a new professional work currently in development that is being designed to tour.
- Evidence of positive independent critical recognition must be available.
- High-quality moving image documentation of the work is essential.
- You must be a current member of Theatre and Dance NI. Sign up here.
Assessment Criteria
- Fulfilment of the qualifying criteria.
- The quality of the production must be of touring standard in terms of performance, production values and content.
- The capacity of the artist/company to avail of touring opportunities arising from inclusion in the programme.
- Awareness and knowledge of current programming trends in key national and international festivals and venues.
Successful applicants must be available for preparatory work and to engage with international presenters face to face during the showcase on Friday 31st October.
Theatre and Dance NI will manage the application process with the selection being made jointly by Culture Ireland and Belfast International Arts Festival with independent panellists.
How to Apply
Belfast International Arts Festival Showcase 2025 Application Form – Apply here
Applications forms must be submitted before 4pm on Friday 19th September.
If writing is not your preferred form of communication, you may submit a video or audio file. If you are using a pre-recorded visual/audio file, please include the link/s in each questions’ answer box on the application form.
