A new, disabled-led residency created to support the growth, visibility and sustainability of DDN artists in the UK.
What is D.A.R.E?
D.A.R.E is a 4-day residency bringing together a small group of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Curated by Marc Brew Company and supported by the DDN Training Network, this pilot residency creates space to:
The residency includes:
Who is it for?
We are seeking 4 D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent dance artists based in the UK, with priority given to Scotland-based artists.
When & Where
📍 Dance Base, Edinburgh
📅 21–24 September 2026
⏱️10.30am-4pm
Please submit:
We welcome applications in accessible formats:
To submit your applications please email your artistic statement, link to video and website / portfolio to our Engagement Manager, engagement@marcbrew.com by 3rd July 2026.
We’re excited to be bringing our pilot Disabled Artist Residency Exchange (D.A.R.E) to Dance Base in the Autumn. This is the first that we’re planning, and the pilot project. We welcome feedback and questions to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of our community.
We’ve been collecting your questions since the opportunity went live and to the right, we have our Artistic Director Marc Brew answering them for you.
We recognise that applying for opportunities takes time, energy and care, and we truly value the effort behind every application. If you have any questions or need support with your application, please contact us at engagement@marcbrew.com.
We are committed to a fair, transparent and accessible selection process that reflects the values of D.A.R.E:
Stage 1: Panel Review
A panel made up of representatives from the DDN Training Network will review applications. We will consider:
Stage 2: Cohort Selection
Rather than selecting only on individual merit, we will create a shortlist of artists, considering diversity of experience, practice, geography and perspective.
As part of this process, we may include a randomly selected place to widen access and opportunity.
Stage 3: Informal Interviews (Shortlist)
Shortlisted artists will be invited to an informal interview/ conversation with members of the panel lasting no longer than 30 minutes.
This is an opportunity to:
Interviews will be offered in accessible formats (e.g. video call, audio, BSL, or other preferred formats).
Stage 4: Final Cohort Selection
Following interviews, the panel will select a balanced cohort of 4 artists. As part of this process, we may include a randomly selected place to widen access and opportunity.
We are committed to identifying and removing barriers that disabled, D/deaf, neurodivergent and other marginalised people may encounter in the arts. Please can applicants also fill out the Equal Opportunities and Access Monitoring Form.
This form helps us understand who is and who is not accessing our opportunities. This form supports us to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of our future work. All questions are optional, and your responses will not affect the outcome of your application.
26th May – Callout goes live
3rd July – Callout Closes
10th July – Artists Invited to Interview
15-18th July – Interviews
20th July – Artists Selected
21-24th September – D.A.R.E Residency
Support from Dance Base, The Work Room and the DDN Network.
D.A.R.E is supported by a national network including:
Birds of Paradise, National Theatre of Scotland, Indepen-dance, Drake Music Scotland, Solar Bear, Paragon Music, Dance Base, YDance, Sonic Bothy, Cutting Edge Theatre, Waterbaby, Lung Ha, Triple C and Marc Brew Company.
Together, the network is committed to creating more opportunities for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists across Scotland.
When Marc Brew Company (MBC) receives your application, we will save an electronic copy of your documents in our digital filing system.
Applications will be shared with a small number of industry professionals who assess applications as part of the selection panel. Panel members will be asked to delete any application materials they hold after the assessment process.
MBC will keep details of successful applications for our records.
MBC will delete copies of unsuccessful applications within six months of the selection panel meeting.
