Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from NI
Platforming theatre and dance artists from Northern Ireland at key festivals and industry events
What is Spotlight?
Spotlight is a professional development and showcasing programme that helps artists from Northern Ireland make the most of key festival and marketplace opportunities.
Led by TDNI, in partnership with organisations including Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI), British Council Northern Ireland and Belfast International Arts Festival, the programme helps increase visibility, build industry relationships and support future touring and artistic development.
Since 2019, Spotlight has created opportunities for independent artists and companies to present work, meet programmers and promoters, and engage with national and international networks.
How the Programme Works
Spotlight is delivered through two key opportunities each year, helping ensure artists are seen and connected at critical moments:
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Supporting artists and companies presenting work at one of the world’s largest and most influential arts marketplaces.
Applications typically open in June.
Belfast International Arts Festival
Supporting artists and companies to showcase work and connect with industry delegates closer to home, while building national and international visibility.
Applications typically open in August.
What Participants Can Expect
Spotlight provides practical, targeted support to help artists maximise the impact of festival participation.
Present Your Work
Opportunities to present work and engage with industry delegates
Expert Mentoring
Mentoring and guidance from TDNI, Steven Atkinson and partners
Industry Networking
Tailored networking and introductions to relevant industry professionals
Festival Navigation
Support navigating festival and industry events
Profile Building
Marketing and promotional activity to raise artist profiles
Festival Support
A small financial contribution towards festival-related costs (where applicable)
Who It's For
Spotlight is designed for theatre and dance artists and companies from Northern Ireland who are looking to raise their profile and build industry connections. The programme is particularly suited to those who are:
The programme is particularly suited to those who are:
- Presenting work at a festival or showcase
- Seeking touring and collaboration opportunities
- Looking to connect with programmers and presenters
- Ready to develop their professional networks and visibility
Why Spotlight Matters
Festivals and industry marketplaces can open significant opportunities for artists, but they can be difficult to navigate without the right support.
Spotlight helps artists make the most of these moments by providing guidance, connections, and a platform to showcase their work. It also plays an important role in ensuring that theatre and dance from Northern Ireland are represented within wider national and international industry conversations.
Past Spotlight Successes
Spotlight has contributed to a range of artist and company successes, helping artists move beyond initial showcase opportunities into sustained touring and development.
- In The Name of the Son toured to Auckland Arts Festival
- Two Fingers Up toured to Melbourne and Sydney Fringe Festivals
- Scaredy Fat toured to London Pleasance and the Grand Opera House, Belfast
- Lie Low performed at the Royal Court Theatre, London
- Whisk(e)y Wars toured to Brussels following sold-out Belfast runs
- Expecting received its US premiere in Washington
These outcomes highlight the programme’s role in supporting artists to move beyond initial showcase opportunities and into sustained touring and development.
How to Get Involved
Applications are not always open year-round. Please check our Opportunities page for
current calls and artist development opportunities.
Please note: Membership must be active for a minimum of six months before becoming
eligible to apply for bursaries and development programmes.