Professional Artist Programme
For our Professional Artist Programme, we are inviting submissions from those who create artistic work for young audiences.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for multi-artform live and digital pieces to be presented on one or both of the following dates:
- Saturday 8th June 2024 – as part of our family-focused opening day taking place in indoor and outdoor locations across Aberdeen
- Saturday 15th June 2024 – as part of our teenage-focused event taking place across the Music Hall building and beyond
There is no set theme for Light The Blue, however we’ll be most excited by ideas and stories that feel relevant to young people.
Programmed acts will be encouraged to be climate-conscious in their approach – using recycled materials as much as possible, for example.
Who are we looking for?
You might be an independent artist, part of a collective or company. You might make live performance or digital work. You will be experienced in and passionate about making work for young audiences.
We will accept submissions from those based across Scotland, with a particular interest in hearing from those based in/around Aberdeen and the North-east. We may accept submissions from those based outside Scotland – get in touch with us before submitting if that applies to you.
We are also particularly interested in hearing from those who feel their voices are not well represented on our stages.
Artforms
We are particularly keen to programme (but are not limited to) the following artforms:
- Theatre – devised and scripted
- Live music
- Dance and physical theatre
- Circus
- Short film
- Installation
For our family-focused day on Saturday 8th June, we are keen to programme walkabout and interactive work, outdoor pop-up performances and low-tech indoor work.
For our teenage-focused event on Saturday 15th June, we are keen to programme walkabout and interactive work, low-tech indoor work and experiential material.
Original work will be favoured, but we will also consider new interpretations of existing material. We are unlikely to programme a piece that has been presented at a previous Light The Blue.
Length
Due to the nature of the events envisaged, we are unlikely to programme pieces longer than 45 minutes – get in touch with us before submitting if this applies to you.
The majority of selected pieces will be programmed as part of multi-bill and promenade events, however there may be some capacity for standalone events.
Venue
We will be keen to know if your piece could be performed in:
- A studio space
- An auditorium space
- An indoor public space
- An outdoor public space
- A site-specific/unconventional space
If you have a space that could be used for festival activity, we’d love to hear from you.
We are happy to consider digital work, although live performances and in-person installations/exhibitions will be prioritised.
What can we offer?
Programmed professional artists will receive:
- A fee for performers and team members, as well as reasonable travel and accommodation if based outside Aberdeen (we will ask for estimated costs as part of your proposal)
- A free programming slot as part of Light The Blue 2023
- Technical support for rehearsals and performance
- Free access to most events across the festival programme
- Marketing & PR support as part of our wider festival campaign
- Producing and marketing support from our experienced team
- Networking opportunities for practitioners
What’s the application process?
Please submit your proposal by Sunday 11th February 2024 at 11pm via our online form.
The form asks for information about your work, the piece you’re proposing and its suitability for Light The Blue.
We are happy to consider proposals in alternative formats. Please contact jordan.blackwood@aberdeenperformingarts.com to discuss.
What happens after the deadline?
We will accept proposals until Sunday 11th February 2024 at 11pm. Any submissions received after this time will not be considered.
All proposals will be reviewed and discussed by members of our Creative Engagement team as well as a panel of Young Advisors.
We will be programming throughout February and early March. We are unlikely to have the capacity to programme all proposed works – we will select proposals that excite us and our young panel the most, and that support our ambition to create a diverse and relevant festival programme.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of our selection process by Friday 8th March at the latest.
Any questions?
If you have any questions or you’re not sure if your idea is suitable, contact Jordan Blackwood, Light The Blue Creative Producer – jordan.blackwood@aberdeenperformingarts.com.
