Pride Stages Bursary launched by Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network

Photo: Joel Chester Fildes

GM LGBTQ Network CEO Paul Martin OBE with artists

A new opportunity has arisen for a Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ performer/company to develop a new performance to be showcased as part of Pride celebrations in 2021.

Following a successful pilot in 2019-20, the Pride Stages Bursary offer is part of a new 18-month programme of activity led by LGBT Foundation and supported by Arts Council England - the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network – providing support, training and development for over 20 cultural organisations in the region working with LGBTQ+ communities, and creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ creatives across Greater Manchester.

Supported by four network member venues (The Met, Waterside Arts, The Lowry, Oldham Coliseum Theatre), the Pride Stages Bursary will include a £1,000 cash grant, access to rehearsal space, and tailored development support from partner venues to create an exciting new performance celebrating LGBTQ+ communities.

Working within local Covid-19 guidance, the hope is that the performance will be showcased to socially distanced audiences at events in Bury, Trafford, Salford and Oldham in the summer, or if that’s not possible, as part of digital programmes celebrating Pride across the region.

Paul Martin OBE, CEO of LGBT Foundation, said: “After the amazing success of the pilot programme, I’m thrilled that Arts Council England are supporting the next phase of the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network.

“Alongside the great events, training, and opportunities we’ve got planned, I’m really looking forward to working with cultural leaders across Greater Manchester to see how we can improve access and inclusion for LGBT people, particularly in light of the impact of Covid-19.”

Chris Lawson, Artistic Director, Oldham Coliseum Theatre said: “Pride Stages is a fantastic opportunity for an LGBTQ+ artist/company to share their creativity and talent with communities across Greater Manchester.

“The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the careers and livelihoods of performers, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this collaborative project with our Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network partners in Bury, Salford and Trafford supporting and sharing this work.”

Artists are encouraged to submit expressions of interest by 5pm on Friday 29 January.

To find out more, including how to apply, please go to: www.lgbt.foundation/PrideStagesBursary