Bristol Old Vic Opens Applications For 2026-28 Associate Programme
The programme seeks two South West-based companies and one artist to join current associate Caroline Williams.
Bristol Old Vic is inviting Expressions of Interest for the next intake of its Associate Artists and Associate Companies programme, welcoming applications from theatre-makers and companies across Bristol and the South West for the 2026–2028 cohort.
The Associate scheme is designed to build meaningful, long-term relationships with artists and organisations local to Bristol Old Vic who are doing brilliant things in the region. Through tailored support, financial investment and collaboration, the programme seeks to strengthen artistic practice while enriching the wider cultural life of the city and South West beyond the theatre's own walls.
The theatre is currently seeking:
- Two South West-based theatre companies to join as Associate Companies from July 2026 – June 2028
- One new Associate Artist to join the programme across the same period
The successful applicants will join Bristol Old Vic's artistic community alongside current Associate Artist Caroline Williams and will follow previous associates including Diverse Artists Network, MAYK, Beyond Face, Theatre West and Saikat Ahamed.
As one of the largest cultural venues in Bristol and the South West, Bristol Old Vic works with Associate Companies to create a bespoke partnership that responds directly to the needs of each organisation.
Each Associate Company receives:
- A yearly cash contribution of £7,500
- £15,000 in total across the two-year associateship
- A tailored package of in-kind support from Bristol Old Vic
The programme is aimed at companies at a pivotal stage in their development – organisations looking to deepen their artistic practice, strengthen their capacity and build meaningful relationships within the wider theatre ecology.
Bristol Old Vic is particularly keen to hear from companies excited by collaboration, artistic innovation and shared learning. With so much of Bristol Old Vic's artist development activity focused currently on writers and literary activity, we are keen to hear from companies working beyond playwright-led practice. This includes devising, movement, multidisciplinary performance, live art, participation, digital practice, community-rooted work, and experimental theatre form.
Eligible companies must:
- Be based in the South West of England
- Demonstrate an established professional practice
- Have a clear artistic identity and track record of creating ambitious work
- Be interested in engaging with Bristol Old Vic's wider artistic programme and organisational activity
The Associate Artist programme offers an artist the opportunity to build a two-year attachment with Bristol Old Vic, with each year focusing on a different aspect of artistic development.
During the first year, the Associate Artist will engage closely with the theatre's creative functions, contributing to literary, programming, producing, engagement and artist support activity across the organisation.
The second year is designed to focus on the artist's own practice and artistic development, with Bristol Old Vic supporting them to shape a personalised programme of activity that nurtures their creativity and career ambitions.
The successful Associate Artist will receive:
- A £10,000 bursary across the two-year attachment
- Bespoke in-kind support from Bristol Old Vic
Applications are welcomed from experienced theatre-makers based in the South West who are looking to expand their practice and develop new skills. Bristol Old Vic is especially interested in hearing from artists whose primary practice is not writing.
The theatre also encourages Expressions of Interest from artists whose voices and experiences have historically been underrepresented or marginalised on UK stages.
Lisa Gregan, Literary and Director's Associate and Rikki Henry, Associate Artistic Director for Bristol Old Vic said:
“We want our Associates programme to support artists and companies at meaningful moments in their development, while also strengthening the wider creative ecology of the South West. We are excited to hear from theatre-makers who are ambitious, collaborative and curious about what can happen when organisations and artists learn from one another.”
Further details about eligibility and the application process can be found via www.bristololdvic.org.uk/for-artists/associates.
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