Callout for Artists: Apply for D.A.R.E – Disabled Artists' Residency Exchange

Are you a D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent dance artist based in the UK looking to develop your practice, connect with peers, and invest in your creative future?

Applications are now open for D.A.R.E – Disabled Artist Residency Exchange

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: 

  • Explore and develop your artistic practice 
  • Exchange ideas with other artists 
  • Engage in workshops led by disabled artists 
  • Build skills in professional development 
  • Reflect, rest, and reconnect with your creativity 


The residency includes:
 

  • Daily morning practice and warm-ups 
  • Workshops in choreography, improvisation, dramaturgy, music, and accessible performance 
  • Artist-led sessions and creative exploration time 
  • Professional development sessions (producing, marketing, access, touring, funding) 
  • Group reflection and open sharing 

 

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 

What’s included? 
  • Artist bursary – amount to be confirmed 
  • Travel 
  • Accommodation 
  • Per diems 
  • Access costs 
 
Application Deadline: 26th June
How to Apply 

Please submit: 

  • An artistic statement responding to: 
    “Why is this opportunity important to you and your growth as an artist?” 
  • Artistic statements to be no longer than 1 A4 page/ 2-3 mins video/ 2-3 min audio recording
  • A link to a 5-minute video of your work 
  • Your website or portfolio (if available)


We welcome applications in accessible formats:
 

  • Written 
  • Video or audio recording 
  • BSL
How to submit

To submit your applications please email your artistic statement, link to video and website / portfolio to our Engagement Manager, engagement@marcbrew.com by 26th June 2026

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.

The selection process

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: 

  • Your artistic practice and curiosity 
  • Why this opportunity is important to you at this stage 
  • What you might bring to a shared group environment 
  • The potential impact of the residency on your development 


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: 

  • Share more about your practice in a way that suits you 
  • Tell us what support or access you might need 
  • Ask questions about the residency 


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. 

Equal Opportunities and Access Monitoring Form

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.

Key Dates

26th May – Callout goes live

26th June – 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.

About the DDN Training 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.