Closing date - 9th December

Please feel free to contact us at artist.development@factoryinternational.org if you require any support in completing your application.

The Factory International Fellowship returns in 2025 with a unique opportunity for six artists based in the North to scale up their ambition through gaining insight into how we make work at Aviva Studios and for MIF25. It’s the first time we’ll be preparing for Manchester International Festival while operating a full-time programme in our world-class building. Gain exclusive access to our commissions and internal teams while being part of a historic and cultural milestone in our new home.

Our bespoke programme allows Fellows to explore their practice in our new building with new commissions and international artists making work at scale. As part of the fellowship, artists receive mentoring opportunities, coaching, observational placements, peer-to-peer learning and access to Factory International staff and our creative teams as well as monthly meetings with our Creative Director Low Kee Hong.

The programme builds on previous successful programmes – MIF Jerwood/Creative Fellows and Factory Fellows – which have supported 30 artists/creatives from the region since 2017 thanks to the initial support of the Jerwood Foundation. 

What to Expect

Factory International Fellows 2025 have the opportunity to:

• Shadow the making of a Factory International commission over a nine-month period (including access to MIF25 commissions). We expect individuals to commit around 5 to 8 weeks from February to October 2025 to the programme
• Develop their professional experience and knowledge – for example, of a different art form or different scale of work
• Receive financial support for time taken via a bursary of up to £4,000
• See shows at Factory International and participate/attend internal meetings around programming, ideas breakfasts, and networking opportunities
• Have a mentor tailored to your specialism and needs, developing artistic ambition and critical thinking
• Join a cohort of other Fellows to participate in shared learning
• Attend workshops, meetings, artist socials, and networking opportunities
• Interact with the Factory International Team at bespoke departmental meetings
• Exclusive access to our Creative Director Low Kee Hong
• Join our alumni network

Artistic Development

The fellowship is open to independent artists and creative practitioners based in the North of England, who are at a stage in their career where they would benefit from access to new and international artistic processes, environments, and experiences. The intention is to support individuals who are at a pivotal point in their career to develop new knowledge, experience, skills, and networks.

Building on MIF’s distinct identity and strength as a multi-disciplinary commissioning festival, the fellowship focuses on cross-art form development and experience, inviting candidates to reach outside their comfort zone into new artistic environments that stretch their knowledge and the application of their skills. The fellowship invites you to be part of a large scale, ambitious, and international experience.

Cohort Learning

Beyond their individual attachments to commissions, Fellows will function as a cohort, supporting and encouraging each other, and will be welcomed into the Factory International team to share their practice, knowledge, and learning as they progress. This includes:

• Attending Factory International team meetings, social events, commissions, and briefings with artists. Fellows will gain exclusive access to our Factory International team, fostering a two-way dialogue and connections
• Dedicated time with the Factory International Producing Team, offering more in-depth conversation and experience in cross-art form, international, complex commissioning, producing, and touring
• Attendance at key Factory International professional events – e.g. Press Nights, Opening Nights, Arts Weekend, Public Programme Events, and Creative Engagement socials – providing opportunities for national and international networking and contact creation
• Attendance at Action Set Learning meetings and monthly meetings with the Artist Development Manager

Extending

As part of the programme, Fellows will be offered an opportunity to share their knowledge and artistic verve with fellow artists in the region. These events will be part of the Public Realm and could include curating Artist Socials, debates, networking events, or our Artist Drop-Ins.

We offer Fellows the opportunity to develop their creative practice and thinking by offering an artistic mentor during their time as well as the chance to observe new commissions as part of MIF25. Additionally, the cohort will be offered action learning sets, facilitated by an accredited coach to support reflection and learning.

How to Apply

To apply, simply press the "Apply Here" button at the bottom of your screen and send us a short video and/or fill in the application form (making sure to hit submit when you're done).