IGNITE: Emerging Artists Scheme

Space to develop, experiment and create

IGNITE is an artist development scheme operated by The Beacon, Wantage and Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot. It offers eligible artists access to rehearsal, studio and development space during off-peak hours, opportunity to work with our venues. 

Artists can use the time and space to develop their own practice, test ideas, rehearse, make new work or progress an existing project. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with other artists and share work where appropriate.

Information Document

Benefits Include

  • Free Space

    Up to 50 hours of free room hire across both venues over 12 months (roughly one full day a month) to use however your practise needs at no cost to you.

  • Community

    IGNITE brings together a pool of artists across disciplines with opportunities to connect, collaborate and share work.

  • Opportunities

    From scratch nights and work-in-progress sharings to exhibitions.

Who Can Apply

IGNITE is open to artists aged 18+ and the scheme is primarily aimed at early career artists, typically within the first 5 years of working professionally. However, we recognise that artistic careers are rarely linear, applications from artists at any stage who are developing new work or exploring a new discipline are welcome and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.   

We’re particularly interested in hearing from artists who have a clear idea of how they would use the rescores and are comfortable working independently. We welcome artists across:

  • Performance – theatre, dance, music, spoken word and other live disciplines
  • Visual arts – drawing, painting, printing, textiles and other visual forms
  • Writing – fiction, poetry, playwriting and other literary forms
  • Interdisciplinary practice – works that cross or blend these areas

Successful applicants will be able to request space throughout the year, opportunities to connect with other artists and share work where appropriate.

How to Apply

Apply via a short online form. All applications are acknowledged within 24 hours and reviewed within 28 days.

For any questions about IGNITE please contact: igniteartists@southandvale.gov.uk

Not sure it’s for you? We consider all applications on a case-by-case basis and we’d rather have a conversation than have you not apply.

APPLICATIONS OPEN 

Application Form Terms & Conditions