Call for Artists: Belfast International Arts Festival International Showcase 2026

Overview

Theatre and Dance NI and Belfast International Arts Festival invite submissions from artists or companies who wish to present information about recent new works and works in development to national and international delegates as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival Showcase 2026.

The Showcase is funded by Culture Ireland, Belfast City Council, British Council Northern Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and is part of the wider Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from Northern Ireland programme.

About the opportunity

A maximum of six pieces will be selected with each successful applicant having 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. Delegates are confirmed to be in attendance from venues and festivals in England, Scotland, USA, Netherlands, Germany, Nigeria, Pakistan and the Republic of Ireland. See Showcase reel from 2025 here.

This open call pitch session will take place at The MAC, Belfast on Friday 23rd October commencing at 10.00am, until 12.00pm. We would then encourage our Theatre and Dance NI members to join for a networking lunch from 12.30pm- 2.00pm at The MAC. Spaces will be available to book shortly.

The objectives of the Showcase are:

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.

Who can apply

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 provided.
High-quality moving image documentation and high-quality static imagery for printed collateral of the work is essential.
You must be a current member of Theatre and Dance NI for a minimum of six months.

Successful applicants must be available for preparatory work and to engage with international presenters face to face during the showcase event on Friday 23rd October.

Assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the following:

Fulfilment of the above qualifying criteria.
The quality of the production must have touring capability 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.

Theatre and Dance NI will manage the application process with the selection being made jointly by a panel including representatives from Culture Ireland and Belfast International Arts Festival.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted before 5pm on Friday 25th 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.