Theatre and Dance NI is inviting applications for its Spotlight Fellowship Programme as part of Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from Northern Ireland at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.
Delivered in partnership with Belfast International Arts Festival and supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and British Council Northern Ireland, the Spotlight Fellowship Programme supports established theatre and dance artists, producers and directors from Northern Ireland to engage with one of the world’s leading arts marketplaces.
The programme provides a financial contribution to support three practitioners to attend Edinburgh Festival Fringe and develop relationships with presenters, programmers and industry professionals from across the UK and internationally.
Eligibility Notice: Applicants must be current Theatre and Dance NI members and have held an active membership for a minimum of six months prior to the application deadline.
This opportunity is aimed at established theatre and dance artists, producers and directors seeking to develop future touring, presenting and partnership opportunities.
Why Apply?
The programme offers a unique opportunity to:
- Build relationships with national and international presenters and programmers
- Develop future touring, presenting and collaboration opportunities
- Gain insight into current industry trends and programming priorities
- Experience a wide range of high-quality theatre and dance work
- Expand professional networks and industry knowledge
- Fellows will also have the opportunity to attend Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from Northern Ireland and engage directly with international delegates attending the showcase.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a current Theatre and Dance NI member
- Have held an active Theatre and Dance NI membership for a minimum of six months prior to the application deadline
- Be based and working in Northern Ireland
- Be an established theatre or dance artist, producer or director
- Demonstrate how attendance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe will support their future artistic and professional development
- Be available to attend Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from Northern Ireland on Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Applicants may be freelance or affiliated with an organisation. If applying through an organisation, only one individual from that organisation may apply.
Please note that applicants cannot apply for the Spotlight Fellowship Programme if they are already presenting a production at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Professional experience and current practice
- The potential impact of attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on future work and career development
- Capacity to build and sustain national and international relationships
- Future artistic ambitions and aspirations
- Potential to maximise opportunities arising from participation
Support Available
Successful applicants will receive a financial contribution that may be used towards travel, accommodation, festival tickets, per diems and related expenses associated with attending Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
How to Apply
Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from NI – Edinburgh Festival Fringe Fellowship ProgrammeÂ
Deadline: Wednesday 24 June 2024 at 5pm
Applicants may submit responses via written, video or audio format.
If you have any access requirements or require support completing your application, please contact operations@theatreanddanceni.org.