Support for theatre and dance professionals in Northern Ireland

INVEST 2024/25 applications now open

Theatre and Dance NI's INVEST programme is offering tailored support to artists and freelancers, including directors, choreographers, creators, technicians, producers, backstage staff, and those working professionally across theatre and dance in Northern Ireland.

The programme, now in its third year, provides mentoring, networking opportunities, training, and a financial bursary to help participants enhance their skills and develop their careers.

Open to professionals with over five years of experience, INVEST aims to create a supportive environment where artists can grow, collaborate, and sustain their work.

Eligible participants receive a £4,000 bursary for professional development and one-to-one mentoring with industry experts. In addition, the programme includes skills workshops, networking events, and two residential sessions designed to foster growth and connections within the creative industry.

A new Fellowship strand, with bursaries of £2,000, has been introduced to support early-career artists - those 21 and above, with at least two years of experience.

Both the main programme and Fellowship run from October 2024 to July 2025, with compulsory sessions scheduled throughout the year.

Find out more and apply to INVEST 2024/25.

The bursaries are supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Garrick Charitable Trust.

First published 16 September 2024