A six-month funded programme for artists with bold new ideas
What would you make if you stopped worrying about whether it was too ambitious, too political, too different, or too difficult?
We're looking for bold new ideas that respond to the world we live in now.
About SHIFT Artist Labs:
SHIFT Artist Labs is a 6-month funded programme running between January and July 2027, for artists with ideas that need the time, care and investment to grow.
We know that many artists carry work that has been put on hold: ideas that have been self-censored, scaled back, deprioritised, or simply haven’t had the resources to develop. SHIFT Artist Labs exist to help those ideas take their next step.
We are looking for projects that ask difficult questions, challenge dominant narratives, and ask who gets to tell stories and on whose terms. Joyful or provocative, intimate or epic, we’re interested in stories that feel alive to the present moment.
What the Programme Offers:
Five projects will receive a tailored package of investment including:
- £7,000 research and development funding.
- A dedicated dramaturg throughout the programme.
- Bespoke producing support.
- A steward from one of our partner organisations.
- Workshops with artists, producers and cultural leaders.
- A final industry gathering to share your work and connect with collaborators.
The Process:
You'll be matched with a dramaturg, a producer, an industry steward, and join a programme of workshops with the wider SHIFT network.
- Dramaturgy support
Each selected artist or group will be matched with either Dannielle Rhimes Lecointe or Justine Themen, dramaturgs for 2027 SHIFT Artist Labs. You will meet monthly to develop the work.
- Funding and producing support
Every project will receive a £7,000 research and development fund, which can be used according to the needs of the work. You will work with a Tamasha producer, who will offer tailored support with budgeting, planning and strategy, to help you make the most of the R&D fund.
- Industry steward
Each project will also be paired with an artistic leader from one of our regional partners. These stewards will offer local connections, mentorship focused on your artistic practice, and an expanded network throughout the programme. Our 2027 stewards are change-makers from Tamasha (UK-Wide), BÈZNĂ Theatre (UK-based migrant artist), Roots Mbili (North), Beyond Face (South West), and HighTide (East of England).
- Workshops
The cohort will join a monthly programme of workshops with changemakers from the SHIFT network, which will offer practical tools, new perspectives and industry insight.
The programme will culminate in a two-day in-person gathering. Day one will focus on connection, reflection and shared learning. Day two will be an opportunity to present your project to invited industry professionals and peers. Whether through a pitch, rehearsed reading, or creative provocation, this is your chance to introduce your work, reflect on your journey, and build relationships that will help shape what comes next.
Important Dates:
- Online Information Session: Monday 9 November at 6:30pm
- Interviews: Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December (online)
- Artist Labs: January and July 2027, launching with a full cohort in-person day on Friday 15 January (London)
- Deadline: Monday 30 November at 6pm
The compulsory workshops will run for 2 hours either in person or on Zoom during:
- W/C 15 February 2027
- W/C 15 March 2027
- W/C 12 April 2027
- W/C 17 May 2027
The programme will conclude with an in-person sharing on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 July 2027.
Travel for the in-person days and accommodation for the two-day final sharing will be covered for artists based outside London.
Who Can Apply:
- SHIFT Artist Labs are open to artists at every stage of their career.
Whether you’re early-career, mid-career or established, what matters most is the ambition of your idea.
- You can apply as an individual or as a group of up to 4 artists.
Your project can be:
- An idea you have held back, whether through self-censorship, limited resources or lack of support.
- A first draft.
- A project that has been through an initial R&D.
- Projects must have a live performance element.
This can include new text-based work, musicals, devised theatre, adaptations or interdisciplinary performances.
You cannot apply with a project that:
- Is under commission.
- Is in active development with another organisation.
- Had a public run of 3 weeks or more.
- Includes no live performance element, such as projects solely in audio, video, digital, film or installation.
Available Places:
To ensure the programme reaches artists across regions and communities, the five available places will be allocated to:
- One project from anywhere in the UK
- One project by a UK-based migrant artist
- One project from the North of England
- One project from the South West of England
- One project from the East of England
In line with Tamasha’s mission and values, we are particularly interested in supporting work by Global Majority artists.
For more information and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!
