SHIFT Artist Labs
A six-month funded programme for artists with bold new ideas
What would you make if you stopped worrying about whether it was too ambitious, too political, too different, or too difficult?
We’re looking for bold new ideas that respond to the world we live in now.
About SHIFT Artist Labs
SHIFT Artist Labs is a 6-month funded programme running between January and July 2027, for artists with ideas that need the time, care and investment to grow.
We know that many artists carry work that has been put on hold: ideas that have been self-censored, scaled back, deprioritised, or simply haven’t had the resources to develop. SHIFT Artist Labs exist to help those ideas take their next step.
We are looking for projects that ask difficult questions, challenge dominant narratives, and ask who gets to tell stories and on whose terms. Joyful or provocative, intimate or epic, we’re interested in stories that feel alive to the present moment.
What the programme offers
Five projects will receive a tailored package of investment including:
- £7,000 research and development funding.
- A dedicated dramaturg throughout the programme.
- Bespoke producing support.
- A steward from one of our partner organisations.
- Workshops with artists, producers and cultural leaders.
- A final industry gathering to share your work and connect with collaborators.
The process
You’ll be matched with a dramaturg, a producer, an industry steward, and join a programme of workshops with the wider SHIFT network.
- Dramaturgy support
Each selected artist or group will be matched with either Dannielle Rhimes Lecointe or Justine Themen, dramaturgs for 2027 SHIFT Artist Labs. You will meet monthly to develop the work.
- Funding and producing support
Every project will receive a £7,000 research and development fund, which can be used according to the needs of the work. You will work with a Tamasha producer, who will offer tailored support with budgeting, planning and strategy, to help you make the most of the R&D fund.
- Industry steward
Each project will also be paired with an artistic leader from one of our regional partners. These stewards will offer local connections, mentorship focused on your artistic practice, and an expanded network throughout the programme. Our 2027 stewards are change-makers from Tamasha (UK-Wide), BÈZNĂ Theatre (UK-based migrant artist), Roots Mbili (North), Beyond Face (South West), and HighTide (East of England).
- Workshops
The cohort will join a monthly programme of workshops with changemakers from the SHIFT network, which will offer practical tools, new perspectives and industry insight.
The programme will culminate in a two-day in-person gathering. Day one will focus on connection, reflection and shared learning. Day two will be an opportunity to present your project to invited industry professionals and peers. Whether through a pitch, rehearsed reading, or creative provocation, this is your chance to introduce your work, reflect on your journey, and build relationships that will help shape what comes next.
Important dates
The Artist Labs will run between January and July 2027, launching with a full cohort in-person day on Friday 15th January in London.
The compulsory workshops will run for 2 hours either in person or on Zoom during:
- W/C 15th February 2027
- W/C 15th March 2027
- W/C 12th April 2027
- W/C 17th May 2027
The programme will conclude with an in-person sharing on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd July 2027.
Travel for the in-person days and accommodation for the two-day final sharing will be covered for artists based outside London.
Important dates
The Artist Labs will run between January and July 2027, launching with a full cohort in-person day on Friday 15th January in London.
The compulsory workshops will run for 2 hours either in person or on Zoom during:
- W/C 15th February 2027
- W/C 15th March 2027
- W/C 12th April 2027
- W/C 17th May 2027
The programme will conclude with an in-person sharing on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd July 2027.
Travel for the in-person days and accommodation for the two-day final sharing will be covered for artists based outside London.
Application information
Find out about eligibility and how to apply
Who can apply
- SHIFT Artist Labs are open to artists at every stage of their career.
Whether you’re early-career, mid-career or established, what matters most is the ambition of your idea. - You can apply as an individual or as a group of up to 4 artists.
Your project can be:- An idea you have held back, whether through self-censorship, limited resources or lack of support.
- A first draft.
- A project that has been through an initial R&D.
- Projects must have a live performance element.
This can include new text-based work, musicals, devised theatre, adaptations or interdisciplinary performances.
You cannot apply with a project that:
- Is under commission.
- Is in active development with another organisation.
- Had a public run of 3 weeks or more.
- Includes no live performance element, such as projects solely in audio, video, digital, film or installation.
Available places
To ensure the programme reaches artists across regions and communities, the five available places will be allocated to:
- One project from anywhere in the UK.
- One project by a UK-based migrant artist.
- One project from the North of England.
- One project from the South West of England.
- One project from the East of England.
In line with Tamasha’s mission and values, we are particularly interested in supporting work by Global Majority artists.
There will be an online information session on Monday 9th November at 6:30pm.
Run by the Tamasha Team, this is a place to hear more about the programme and ask any questions about the application process.
How to apply
Applications open on Wednesday 28th October 10am and close on Monday 30th November 6pm.
Interviews for shortlisted projects will take place on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th December online.
You can apply via:
Email admin@tamasha.org.uk if you have any questions.
Application questions
Use the written application form to answer the following questions in writing.
Use the video/audio application form to submit a video/voice recording of up to 5 minutes in lieu of the written submission, answering the following questions:
- Tell us about the project you would like to develop with SHIFT and why it matters now? (200 words)
- What would it mean to take this project to the next level? (200 words)
- Why do you want to develop the work with SHIFT specifically? (200 words)
- Give us an overview of your work as an artist/collective to date. (200 words)
- Briefly give us an overview of how you would allocate the £7000 R&D fund. (150 words)
- What areas of your creative practice/knowledge of the industry would you like to develop through SHIFT? (150 words)
The forms will also ask you to upload an example of your/your collective’s work. This can be a script sample of up to 5 pages, a video of up to 3 minutes, or a PDF portfolio of up to 3 pages.