Closing Date - 12 PM, Wednesday 1st July 2026

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

Five artists. One year. Big ambition.

The Factory International Fellowship returns for 2026/27, offering five artists based in the North of England a rare opportunity to develop their producing skills and artistic practice.

Based at Aviva Studios, you’ll go behind the scenes of how work is made for Manchester International Festival 2027 (MIF27) – one of the world’s leading international festivals. Over 12 months, you’ll be embedded within Factory International, gaining direct access to commissions, creative teams and the decision-making processes that shape large-scale, ambitious work.

Each Fellow will be paired with a Producer, allowing real insight into how projects are developed and delivered. You’ll also take part in structured sessions with the wider Producing team, exploring the core skills, knowledge and realities of producing across art forms.

This is a chance to experience MIF from the inside while pushing forward your own creative practice. You’ll have workspace, opportunities to engage with specialist teams and the chance to pitch a new idea for the Public Realm programme.

As part of the Fellowship, you’ll also travel to an international festival, Ruhrtriennale 2026, spending time immersed in global work and expanding your perspective beyond the UK. This trip will be paid for by Factory International.

Along the way, you’ll take part in individual coaching, peer learning and the observation of major productions in development. You’ll also connect directly with Factory International’s Executive Producer and Creative Director Low Kee Hong and gain unique access to the whole organisation.

Since 2017, the Fellowship has supported over 35 artists from the region, with initial backing from the Jerwood Foundation. This next edition builds on that legacy, offering time, access and support to artists at a pivotal moment in their careers.

What to expect

As a Factory International Fellow, you will:

· Observe a major Factory International commission for MIF27 from development through to delivery

· Visit an international festival and experience work in a global context

· Pitch and potentially develop an idea for Factory International’s Public Realm programme

· Build skills through workshops, cohort learning and direct engagement with producers and the Creative Director

· Receive a bursary of up to £5,000 to support your time across the year (this will require up to 4-6 weeks)

· Take part flexibly, alongside your existing commitments

1. Artistic Development

This Fellowship is designed for independent artists and creative practitioners in the North of England who are ready to take the next step.

It supports you at a pivotal moment, helping you expand your skills, gain new experiences and build meaningful connections, both nationally and internationally.

You’ll be encouraged to experiment, explore new ways of working and step beyond your usual practice. Through observation, mentoring and practical support, you’ll develop the tools and confidence to move your work forward.

2. Cohort Learning

You won’t do this alone.

As a Fellow, you’ll be part of a cohort, sharing ideas, supporting one another and learning together. You’ll also become part of the wider Factory International team, with opportunities to contribute your own perspective and practice.

This includes:

· Joining team meetings, project briefings, artist sessions and social events including Ideas Breakfasts

· Spending dedicated time with the Producing team to understand how large-scale international work is made

· Attending key events such as press nights, Arts Weekend, public programme events and creative socials

· Taking part in group learning sessions with your fellow cohort

· Regular check-ins and support from the Artist Development team

3. Developing Your Practice

Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported to grow your creative practice and share your ideas with others.

This could include organising artist meetups, leading discussions, hosting networking events or testing new ideas in public spaces.

You’ll work with an artistic mentor, observe new commissions as part of MIF27 and take part in small-group sessions led by a trained coach.

Your pairing with a Producer will also give you valuable insight into how large-scale and international projects are realised – and how that knowledge can feed into your own work.

How to apply

To apply, submit either a short video (maximum 5 minutes) or complete the application form answering the questions below.

If you choose the video option, you’ll still need to complete the form with your contact details, portfolio links and references. Please provide a clear link to your video (YouTube or Vimeo).

Application questions:

1. How would you describe your artistic practice and key influences? (300 words)

2. Share your portfolio, demonstrating at least two years of artistic practice (300 words)

3. Why is this Fellowship important for you now, and how will it support your long-term goals? (300 words)

4. What ideas, skills, knowledge or networks do you want to develop? (300 words)

5. What work are you most proud of and why? (300 words)

6. Tell us about your experience working with others. What motivates you to keep making work? And what do you think could help you along the way? (300 words)

7. If you could programme any artist or company at Aviva Studios, who would you choose and why? (Not assessed – just for insight)

Key dates

· Applications close: 2 July

· Interviews: 29 July

· Onboarding begins: August 2026

· Fellowship runs: August 2026 – July 2027

· International festival visit (Ruhrtriennale): 2–4 September 2026

Please note, you must be available for the September travel dates and hold a valid passport.

When applying please do not rely solely on ChatGPT/AI software for your answers as it may not fully reflect your skills and experience and how they align with this opportunity. We may decide to discount your answer if we believe it is solely generated by AI.