IYSC is being supported by Derry City & Strabane District Council to pilot an Associate Artist programme supporting up to three artists to develop new work with In Your Space Circus through mentoring, creative space, collaboration and public sharings across 2026/27.

1. Programme Purpose

The Associate Artist Programme will support up to three artists from any discipline to develop new work in dialogue with circus, street arts and outdoor arts practice. The programme aims to:

  • Foster interdisciplinary creation
  • Embed artists within IYSC’s creative community
  • Support artist-led development
  • Explore creative possibilities connected to the future Cathedral School redevelopment
  • Build long-term relationships that strengthen both artist practice and IYSC’s artistic direction

2. Eligibility

Artists may come from any discipline, including but not limited to:

  • Circus
  • Theatre
  • Costume Design
  • Music
  • Visual arts
  • Dance
  • Technical Design
  • Interdisciplinary practice

3. Number of Artists

IYSC will support up to three Associate Artists. Final numbers depend on:

  • Quality and ambition of proposals
  • Resource needs
  • Potential for meaningful development

4. Duration

The Associate Artist relationship will run for an initial 6 month duration from September 2026 with a flexible, artist-led structure and the possibility of extension.

5. What the Programme Offers

Core Support:

  • Free use of our creative development space at The Glassworks (subject to availability with IYSC class schedule) – see below for space detail.
  • Mentoring and creative development sessions with IYSC’s Creative Director
  • Opportunities to collaborate with professional and emerging circus artists
  • Access to IYSC’s wider artistic community and networks
  • Professional development guidance (funding, career development, audience engagement)
  • Promotional support
  • Networking opportunities and sector connections
  • A stipend of £300 per artist to cover expenses

Creative Opportunities

  • Research & development time
  • Collaborative creative sessions
  • Skills-sharing workshops
  • Engagement with the Cathedral School site
  • Public sharing opportunities (e.g., Public Festivals)
  • Potential paid programming opportunities through IYSC festivals and cultural programmes.

6. Artist Expectations

Artists will:

  • Participate in an initial planning meeting
  • Shape a personalised development plan
  • Engage in regular check-ins
  • Contribute to collaborative sessions where relevant
  • Participate in public sharings (artist led)
  • Provide reflective input for evaluation

Selection Criteria

Applications assessed by a panel including IYSC’s Creative Director and Company Director.

Criteria:

  • Artistic quality
  • Ambition
  • Potential for creative development
  • Alignment with programme aims
  • Potential for mutual benefit (artist & organisation)
  • Selection is based on proposal strength, not discipline or experience.

 

8. Evaluation & Learning

Expected Outcomes

  • Strengthened artistic practice
  • New interdisciplinary ideas
  • Deeper relationships between IYSC and artists
  • Insight into future Associate Artist models
  • Evaluation Methods
  • Artist reflection sessions
  • Documentation of creative activity
  • Audience feedback
  • Staff review meetings
  • Sharing Learning
  • Reports to DCSDC
  • Internal review with IYSC Board
  • Sector networks

 

Legacy

The pilot will inform:

  • A long-term Associate Artist model
  • Future programming linked to the Cathedral School
  • Ongoing collaborations, commissions and presentation opportunities

**

IYSC’s main delivery space is The Glassworks, a large heritage building where we occupy the first floor. There are a few things to be aware of when using the space:

  • Lone Worker Policy: IYSC has a lone worker policy which must be adhered to.
  • Mats and footwear: Mats are laid across most of the main activity space. We operate a shoes-off policy when using the mats, so please remove outdoor footwear before entering the matted area.
  • Aerial equipment: An aerial rig is permanently installed in the space. This is used for IYSC classes and by appropriately trained and proficient aerialists. The rig is not for general or unsupervised use and its use is subject to our relevant safety procedures and lone worker policy.
  • Temperature: The space can be cold during the winter months, so artists and participants should dress appropriately, particularly for activities involving periods of standing or waiting.
  • Booking and access: We use the space regularly and are currently developing a space booking system to help manage access and ensure that artists and staff have clear information about availability.
  • Equipment and layout: The space contains IYSC equipment and activity infrastructure. Users should not move, alter or use equipment unless this has been agreed with an appropriate member of the IYSC team.
  • Leaving the space: The space should be left clean, tidy and ready for the next user, with equipment returned to its agreed location and any rubbish removed.
  • Building considerations: As The Glassworks is a heritage building, users should take care around the building fabric and follow any building-specific access, fire safety and evacuation procedures provided by IYSC.

APPLICATION FORMS AVAILABLE BELOW:

WORD DOC APPLICATION FORM

PDF APPLICATION FORM

or for more information, email rachel@inyourspaceni.org 

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 31ST AUGUST 2026

 

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