Unveiled 2026 - Open Call

Unveiled 2026 Open Call

Open Call: Unveiled Artist Development Programme

Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is pleased to announce a new open call for Unveiled, an artist development opportunity which supports the creation and early sharing of new work.

The programme is designed for artists who are already developing a project or an idea and would benefit from additional investment and the opportunity to share the work publicly at an early stage.

The selected artist(s) must be available to present a work-in-progress sharing at Hawk’s Well Theatre on Friday 10 July as part of the festival programme.

Unveiled is offered in partnership with Sligo Arts Service, Hawk’s Well Theatre and Blue Raincoat Theatre Company.

WHAT THE PROGRAMME OFFERS:

  • €2,000 development support towards the creation of a work-in-progress

  • Work-in-progress sharing during the festival on Friday 10 July

  • Technical support towards the sharing of the programme

  • Film & photography from the event

  • Two nights’ accommodation in Sligo (Thursday 9 July and Friday 10 July)

  • Artist Travel costs covered

  • Rehearsal Space available for Sligo-based artist

  • Tickets for festival events on Thursday 9 July and Friday 10 July

  • An invitation to attend a professional networking event on Saturday 11 July, offering the opportunity to meet the festival’s national and international delegates

WHO CAN APPLY

This opportunity is open to artists living or working in Sligo (or within 30km), working in theatre/dance/circus who are currently developing a project that would benefit from additional support and an early public sharing.

The artist can be at any stage of their career – emerging / mid or established. 

Applicants must be available to attend the festival and present their work-in-progress on Friday 10 July.

HOW TO APPLY 
Use the application form via the “Apply Now” button below.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 17 April 2026.

Applications should include:

  • A short artist biography (150 word max) and a paragraph which outlines any previous relevant experience.

  • A short description of the work-in-progress you wish to develop (250 word max)

  • Details of what stage the project is currently at and how this opportunity would support its development

  • 2 to 6 images of previous work

Apply Now

Additional Information:

While Unveiled artists will receive support from the festival’s production manager, venue stage manager, and lighting/sound operator -  technical time will be limited. 

The selected artist will have a maximum two-hour get-in and tech period, so the work should not rely on complex technical or staging requirements.

 
Four pieces of performance art in Sligo - clown and dancers

TOO LATE!! by Angelica Santander, Broken Clay by Known Promises Theatre Collective, Amir Sabra, The Text of It All by Ikenna Anyabuike | Unveiled 2025 | Cairde Sligo Arts Festival | Photo Credit: Cían Flynn

Trevor FinneganTheatre, Performance, Circus, Dance, Artist Development