The Lowry Announces New Artist Cohort for 2017

Five companies and artists have been awarded places on The Lowry's award-winning Developed With The Lowry programme. This year's recipients include: Manchester-based Buddhist monk turned stand-up comedian Sam Brady; local poet-playwright Chanje Kunda; Italian contemporary Dance Company Igor and Moreno; London-based mask theatre company Theatre Temoin; and Berlin-based hand balancing artist Natalie Reckert.

Each will receive a cash investment and production support as they make a new show that will premiere at The Lowry. They also benefit from a year-long bespoke package of professional development funding and support as they take an exciting step forward in their practice.

For some, this will focus on helping them develop new creative skills through travelling to see other productions, taking part in international residencies or private masterclasses with leading experts. Others will focus on developing new relationships with venues, learning business skills and building their national profile.

The Lowry is also delighted to welcome two new companies into its Associate Artist programme alongside dark comedy favourites Kill The Beast and verbatim theatre company LUNG. Family theatre company Colour The Clouds Theatre Company and socially engaged theatre company Art with Heart, both Salford-based, join the Associate Artist programme after taking part in Developed With The Lowry last year.

Designed to support some of the most promising companies making work in the North West, The Lowry offers its Associate Artists a home for all their productions alongside a deep and long term commitment to supporting these companies as they establish themselves on the national stage.

Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry, said: "We wanted our 'Developed With' programme to better reflect the full breadth of talent we can support as an arts centre and our 2017 intake reflects that shift. Bringing together a cohort that includes theatre makers, dancers, poets, and circus artists with different local, national and international perspectives creates exciting new ways to work together across the industry.

"We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to local companies through our Associate Artist programme. Our role will be to help them take their work to the next level - encouraging them to take risks, be bold and push themselves creatively while building a solid foundation for their long term career."

Previous recipients of Developed With The Lowry include the emerging comedy star Sophie Willan, physical theatre company Animikii Theatre and touring company 2Magpies Theatre. Alumni of the Associate Artist programme include Idle Motion, Monkeywood Theatre and the international ensemble Theatre Ad Infinitum.