INVEST 2024-25 – Artists Revealed!

Theatre and Dance NI are delighted to announce the INVEST 2024/25 artists – an initiative supported by Belfast City Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Garrick Charitable Trust.

Now in its third year, INVEST is Theatre and Dance NI’s professional development and mentoring programme designed for artists and freelancers; including directors, choreographers, creators, technicians, producers, backstage staff, and those working professionally across theatre and dance in Northern Ireland.

The five recipients cut across various disciplines of the theatre and dance sector in Northern Ireland, including (clockwise in image) movement director Paula O’Reilly, opera-maker Kate Guelke, director Emma Copland, director for stage and screen Emily Foran and playwright and screenwriter Karis Kelly.

We are delighted to announce that as part of the INVEST programme for 2024/25, TDNI have introduced the Fellowship strand; a pathway programme to support two early career artists to develop their skills and knowledge. The INVEST Fellowship artists are (L-R) screenwriter and theatre maker Carley Magee and writer and theatre maker Nathan Martin.

Speaking about the programme, TDNI Director Niamh Flanagan said:

“With each iteration, INVEST evolves to meet the changing needs of our artists and broader industry. Now in it’s third year, the programmes evolution has been guided by extensive research, consultation, and ongoing evaluation, building on the previous successes, ensuring its continued impact and relevance. It wouldn’t be possible to make this investment in the professional development of local talent in theatre and-dance without support from Belfast City Council,  Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and Garrick Charitable Trust, to whom we are very grateful.

INVEST is not just a bespoke development programme – it’s a platform to spark both individual and collective growth. This year, we are proud to welcome an inspiring cohort of participants, including directors, choreographers, playwrights, and for the first time, an opera-maker, whose combined talents, and vision are instrumental in shaping the future of Northern Ireland’s and these islands creative landscapes.

An exciting development in 2024/25 is the introduction of the Fellowship strand of INVEST, a pathway programme supporting two early-career artists to develop their skills and knowledge.

Beyond the financial and mentoring support, INVEST nurtures a peer network, encouraging collaboration and connections to empower these creatives while supporting their ongoing success.

By fostering these connections, and relationships, and skills exchange, INVEST contributes to securing a sustainable and vibrant future for the sector and industry.”

Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Sam Nelson said:

“We’re pleased to support Theatre and Dance NI’s INVEST programme. It’s a fantastic initiative that empowers and develops creative individuals as well as delivering on our Belfast Agenda vision of creating a culturally vibrant city. And this year, it takes on even greater significance as it coincides with our city’s biggest ever city-wide cultural and creative celebration, Belfast 2024.”

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Officer for Drama, Dance and Literature, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: 

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Theatre & Dance NI through our Annual Funding Programme. Congratulations to all recipients of the INVEST 2024/25 programme. This important initiative, funded by Belfast City Council, provides bespoke support to individual artists, offering professional development, training and tailored mentorship. By providing space and practical support INVEST enables artists to develop their creative practice, and take their careers to the next level. I look forward to seeing what comes of this year’s cohort of INVEST artists.”

Over the coming weeks we will be sharing more about the individual participants and their practice, stay tuned to our social media platforms for updates.

INVEST is funded by Belfast City Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Garrick Charitable Trust.