Bold Performance for Public Space
The BGA Seed Commission is an opportunity for Global Majority & QTIBPOC artists to develop bold, experimental performance work for outdoor and non-traditional spaces.
We are looking for artists with ambitious ideas who are interested in pushing creative boundaries, testing new approaches, and engaging audiences beyond conventional theatre settings.
What’s Included
Selected artists will receive:
A commission fee of £4,000
Eight days of rehearsal space at HOME Arches, Manchester
Producing support throughout the process
Professional mentoring
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from individual artists and companies working across:
Dance
Physical theatre
Circus
Drag
Interdisciplinary performance
Vocal and live performance practices
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
Global Majority and/or QTIBPOC
Based in the North of England
Aged 18+
UK residents
How to Apply
Please submit:
A link to examples of previous work
A pitch deck (maximum 1 A4 page) outlining your idea
If you would prefer to discuss your idea verbally, you can arrange a conversation instead of submitting written materials.
Send applications and enquiries to:
blackgoldarts@gmail.com
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
The artistic quality of previous work
The proposed use of public or non-traditional space
The strength of the idea and development process
How the work responds to the themes of the commission
The potential benefit of the opportunity to the artist’s practice
Timeline
Application Deadline
19 June 2026
Applicants will be notified by 26 June 2026
Rehearsal Space
HOME Arches
2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN
Week 1
Mon 3 Aug — 1pm–4pm
Tue 4 Aug — 12pm–6pm
Wed 5 Aug — 12pm–6pm
Thu 6 Aug — 12pm–6pm
Fri 7 Aug — 12pm–6pm
Week 2
Wed 12 Aug — 6pm–9pm
Thu 13 Aug — 6pm–9pm
Fri 14 Aug — 6pm–9pm
Artists will develop a 15-minute extract to be presented at the BGA Festival at Aviva Studios on Saturday 15 August 2026.
BGA Seed Commission 2026 is supported by Arts Council England, HOME and Aviva Studios.
