03 May 2023
Edinburgh Festivals Intensive programme opens for applications
New Zealand artists will be attending the 2023 Edinburgh Art, Book and Fringe Festivals with the support of the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific and Creative New Zealand. With a combination of first timers alongside seasoned practitioners, the programme is bringing together a group of performing, visual and literary artists to soak-up the world-class experience of Edinburgh’s festivals.
Thanks to the partnership with the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, the initiative to support artists to attend Edinburgh has been re-established; this will be the first time Creative New Zealand has sent artists to attend Edinburgh since pre-Covid-19.
Today applications open for the Edinburgh Festivals Intensive programme for tuakana (previously attended) and teina (first timers) artists. With an emphasis on performing artists, the programme also supports visual and literary artists to attend.
British Council New Zealand and the Pacific Director, Natasha Beckman, says the Edinburgh festivals are an important global hub for the arts and post Covid-19 fostering relationships and networks between practitioners is more vital than ever.
“There’s nothing like seeing the festival in person, it provides a crucial opportunity for connection, to meet collaborators and international producers, curators and agents. Building relationships and meeting face to face is so important after the pandemic’s significant impact on the arts” says Beckman.
Amanda Hereaka, Creative New Zealand’s Manager, International Services and Initiatives, says it’s an incredible opportunity for artists to go and explore.
“We’re so thrilled the British Council approached us to partner on this programme. It’s an initiative that’s really needed right now as we regroup from Covid-19, and it’s been wonderful to have the British Council so keen to get our artists abroad”, she says.
“This is a chance for artists to see what Edinburgh is like – to find out about the reality of putting on a show – the requirements, the contacts; it’s about experiencing the buzz of the festival while sizing it up to see if it’s the right fit for them. Being there will really help New Zealand artists understand what they’re taking on when they bring a show to Edinburgh – this is critical for their success” says Hereaka.
Natasha Beckman says the British Council’s goal is to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
“The British Council connects people around the world with the UK, and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to support so many New Zealand artists to be a part of such a special event in Edinburgh, the world’s leading festival city” says Beckman.
The tuakana/teina structure allows for new artists to go and learn, while also gleaning knowledge from those that have been in the past. For experienced Edinburgh-goers, the programme offers the chance to develop new relationships and to keep established ones alive and thriving.
The programme aims to support knowledge building and career development. Teina participants will participate in a bespoke programme that includes site visits, practical skills workshops and networking events. The tuakana artists’ programme will be self-led to re-establish relationships and networks, and to create opportunities for future presentation and collaboration.
There is no limit to the number of applications accepted and applications close on the 17th of May.
Click here for more information and to apply
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