Since 2022, Theatre and Dance NI’s INVEST programme has established itself as a key force in nurturing and advancing artist development across Northern Ireland. Built on years of research, consultation and evaluation with artists, freelancers, and sector stakeholders, INVEST directly addresses the needs of those working in the creative industries while contributing to the long-term sustainability of our sector.
Now, as the 24/25 cohort reflects on their journey, the impact of the programme is clear: new skills, fresh confidence, international opportunities, and a strong sense of community among artists.
Why INVEST Matters
The sustainability of the arts sector in Northern Ireland has long been linked to direct support for freelance artists. Recognising this, Theatre and Dance NI developed INVEST as a comprehensive programme that combines:
- Major bursaries for artistic and professional growth
- Mentoring award-winning industry leaders
- Intensive residentials and curated training tailored to real artist needs
- Networking opportunities with partners locally, nationally, and internationally
From “The Art of the Pitch” to sessions on internationalising practice, producing and health and wellbeing, INVEST training is designed to develop both creative and professional skills. Participants also benefit from one-to-one mentoring with industry experts reflective of their practice with past mentors including figures from the National Theatre London, ZooNation, Akram Khan Company, and BBC.
The result is an environment where artists feel supported, legitimised, and equipped to grow themselves and their careers.
Confidence and Skills Development
For choreographer and intimacy director Paula O’Reilly, INVEST arrived at a pivotal time:
“This time last year I was strongly considering a career change… In the short 10 months since becoming an INVEST Artist I have seen a HUGE difference in my career. I was chosen to receive a place on the highly sought after PostGrad in Intimacy Coordination in TV & Film at The National Film and Television School, Leeds Campus.”
With guidance from mentors and peers, Paula secured one of just fourteen places on this highly competitive course, signed with an agent, and began collaborating with fellow INVEST artists for screen and stage projects. She describes the support of the cohort as creating “our own micro community,” helping to combat the isolation of freelance life.
Building International Careers
Opera director Kate Guelke set out to specialise further and gain international experience. Through INVEST, she secured one-to-one mentoring with award winning opera and theatre director Katie Mitchell, observed rehearsals at Dutch National Opera, and later assisted on The Makropulos Case at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
“The INVEST award became a catalyst for sustained growth… Direct and indirect outcomes include enhanced legitimacy and visibility with funders and institutions, practical skills and career progression, and collaboration and peer networks.”
Kate has since leveraged more than ÂŁ40,000 in further funding, over ten times the original INVEST bursary, and continues to build international momentum with upcoming fellowships in South Africa through the Churchill Fellowship.
Finding New Strength and DirectionÂ
Playwright Karis Kelly used INVEST to sharpen their professional focus while also navigating the challenges of being an artist in Northern Ireland. Mentoring and training helped them think more strategically about how to talk about their work and plan next steps.
“My mentors have been amazing. One of the key reasons I wanted to undertake INVEST was to better understand how to strategise around my career. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor in the brilliant Pamela McQueen. This summer feels like a crucial moment in my career. I’ve been writing for 17 years but Consumed is my first ever professional production after years of self-producing. So having Pamela’s guidance about how to approach the next few months, and my career going forward has been incredibly helpful.”
For Karis, INVEST created both personal resilience and practical tools to pursue greater opportunities. Karis’s show Consumed has just finished its four-week sold out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is currently touring around the UK. During their time on INVEST, Karis also co-founded the Front and Centre: Women of the North Playwriting Symposium designed to tackle some of the challenges women and non-binary people face in the sector.
Reassurance and Growth
Sometimes the greatest impact of an artist development programme is reassurance. Nathan Martin, founder of Dark Forest Theatre, entered INVEST unsure of his footing:
“At times I felt I was floundering in what I was creating but the residential actually reassured me that I had been doing many of the steps correctly and for that I felt a bit of weight lifted off my shoulders.”
Workshops on pitching, branding, and audience engagement gave Nathan the skills and confidence to treat his theatre company as both an artistic and professional venture. The result? He has already submitted a pilot concept for television and has been shortlisted by Ulster Tatler for Arts Personality of the Year 2025.
Expanding Horizons
Director Emily Foran began with a focus on theatre for young audiences but quickly realised she could be more ambitious. Inspired by past INVEST participants, she shifted her journey towards large-scale directing in London and secured mentorship with Imogen Brodie, Head of Creative Development at Sonia Friedman Productions.
“Listening to previous INVEST artist like Liam McMullan chat to us about his journey was incredibly inspiring… it has left me thinking that maybe I can be even more ambitious with what I want to achieve.”
Emily has since directed new work, secured key introductions in London, and begun forging creative partnerships within her own community.
Harnessing Creative Energy
Playwright Carley Magee described becoming an INVEST artist as a turning point:
“I was overjoyed at being selected for the INVEST fellowship, within two weeks I was more productive and ambitious than I had been in six months. I feel supercharged with this collective creative energy of my fellow artists who are just as excited to embark on their journeys.”
With her mentor’s support, Carley completed a long-listed play, engaged with national networks, and gained the confidence to take her work to new audiences. She has since been announced by The Abbey Theatre as the recipient of the inaugural Lady Gregory Bursary for Playwrights and was a Fellowship Artist at the Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from Northern Ireland at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
From Shadowing to Showcasing
Director Emma Copland described INVEST as a catalyst for connection and growth:
“Being part of the INVEST programme gave me a clear reason to introduce myself to artistic directors and venues, and it opened doors to incredible opportunities. I’ve shadowed rehearsals at the RSC and Shakespeare’s Globe, connected with leaders such as Erica Whyman, Michelle Terry, and Tamara Harvey, and learned so much about directing within producing houses. Alongside this, I’ve been directing in London and Belfast, and gaining new perspectives through TDNI’s training and networks. INVEST has broadened my understanding of the industry and my role within it, and I feel more confident than ever in the direction I’m heading.”
Through INVEST, Emma has expanded her professional network across the UK and Ireland, deepened her directing practice, and developed the confidence to pursue new creative pathways. She continues to build on these foundations, with upcoming projects at Shakespeare’s Globe and Mountview.
Beyond Individual Success
These stories are just a glimpse of the wider impact of INVEST. Every year, the programme encourages collaboration and generosity, with participants supporting each other’s journeys as much as their own.
As Paula O’Reilly put it:
“I have felt an enormous boost to my self-esteem and self-worth as an artist having been awarded the INVEST Artist Fund. It has been a privilege to be associated with TDNI and I was honoured to be an ambassador for them during my time with INVEST.”
The outcomes ripple far beyond individual careers, building confidence, skills, and networks that strengthen Northern Ireland’s theatre and dance sector.
What’s Next?
Applications for the 25/26 INVEST cohort will open soon. If you’re an artist based in Northern Ireland looking to develop your career, expand your networks, and gain vital support, keep an eye out – this could be the opportunity that transforms your practice.
Applicants must hold an active membership, sign up to be the first to hear when the 25/26 programme launches.
About INVEST
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.
INVEST provides intensive one-to-one industry mentoring, networking, training, professional development, resources and a direct financial investment to enable artists to access the time, space and resources required to think, reflect, and develop their creative practice. INVEST provides an incredible opportunity to upskill and collaborate with fellow artists and mentors at a pivotal point, creating connections and networks that help sustain careers and develop a culture in which artists feel safe, supported, and valued.
Please note, INVEST is not a commissioning programme and does not fund the creation, production, or touring of new work. Its focus is on supporting artists’ professional growth, sustainability, and long-term creative practice.Â