Theatre and Dance NI, in collaboration with Belfast International Arts Festival, and supported by the British Council Northern Ireland and The National Lottery, through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, invites submissions from artists and companies interested in presenting their work to national and international delegates as part of the Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from Northern Ireland at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025.
Three applicants will be given up to 8-minutes to pitch and promote their work to an audience of national and international presenters, programmers, and industry professionals at a showcase event which will take place on Tuesday 19th August 2025 at Dance Base, Edinburgh.
Now in its seventh year, Spotlight supports theatre and dance created in Northern Ireland to connect, network and present at the world’s largest arts marketplace at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Fringe offers a unique opportunity for Northern Irish artists to connect with global industry professionals and explore international touring and collaboration opportunities.
Eligibility CriteriaÂ
Applications must meet the following criteria:
- Be presenting the proposed work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, with the work being tour-ready (nationally and/or internationally).
- Provide evidence of positive independent critical recognition.
- Submit high-quality video documentation and photography of the work.
- Be a member of Theatre and Dance NI. Sign up here.Â
- Currently based and working in Northern Ireland.
- Be present to deliver a pitch (up to 8 minutes) and engage directly with delegates at the Spotlight event on Tuesday 19th August 2025 at Dance Base, Edinburgh.
- Attend the photocall and artist information session in Belfast (venue TBC) on Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
Assessment Criteria Â
Applications will be assessed based on the following:
- Fulfilment of the above eligibility criteria.
- Touring potential of the production (in terms of performance, production values, and content).
- Artistic quality.
- The artist’s or company’s capacity to engage with touring opportunities that may arise from participation.
- Demonstrated awareness of current programming trends across national and international festivals and venues.
Successful applicants must be available for preparatory activities with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and other industry professionals and be present to engage directly with international presenters at the Spotlight event on Tuesday 19th August.
The application process will be managed by Theatre and Dance NI, with selections made by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in collaboration with independent panellists.
Participants will receive some financial support through the Spotlight programme, along with one-to-one expert guidance on pitching and support to connect with national and international delegates.
To Apply, click the form below:
For further information on the Spotlight, click the link below:
The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 20th June 2025. Please send the completed application form to apply@theatreanddanceni.org.
If written applications are not your preferred form of communication, you are welcome to submit a video or audio application. Please provide links to your files in the relevant answer fields of the online form. If you have any further access needs or require support in completing your application, please contact Molly at projects@theatreanddanceni.org and we’ll be happy to help.
