Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network is delighted to launch a new opportunity for two LGBTQ+ artists or companies based in Greater Manchester to develop new performances to be showcased as part of its Conference at HOME in January 2022, and at Queer Contact Festival at Contact in February 2022!

The Create Bursary is part of a range of initiatives from the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network, led by LGBT Foundation and supported by Arts Council England (providing support, training, and development for over 20 cultural organisations in the region working with LGBTQ+ communities) that are creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ performing artists across Greater Manchester to develop and present new work following the impact of the pandemic.

Supported by Network members including Contact, HOME, The Met, and Waterside Arts, the Create Bursary will include a cash grant of £2000, access to rehearsal space, and tailored development support to create two new exciting LGBTQ+ performances.

The hope is that the pieces will be supported further after their premiere, building on the success of last year's recipients Mandla Rae and Roma Havers, who've since secured funding from Arts Council England to develop full versions of their shows as british as a watermelon and LOB.

This opportunity also follows the amazing reception to this year's Pride Stages Bursary recipients Cheddar Gorgeous and Jason Andrew Guest, who've been performing their shows Oh What a Lovely Lockdown! and Welcome to the Haus of Myztique at Bury Pride, Pride in Trafford, Manchester International Festival, Oldham Pride, Salford Pride and Thank You Manchester Weekender so far across the summer, with further performances planned for Manchester Pride, and the Network's Conference in January.

Dr. Paul Martin OBE, CEO of LGBT Foundation said:

‘I’m thrilled that Arts Council England continue to support the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network, and its important work with cultural organisations across the region, providing more opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists, especially given the impact of COVID-19. We’ve seen some amazing performances created this year supported by our Pride Stages Bursaries, and we can’t wait to see what our Create Bursary recipients do with this opportunity.’

Matt Fenton, Artistic Director/Chief Executive, Contact said:

'Contact is delighted to support these important Create Bursaries to enable LGBTQ+ artists to imagine and create in a safe and supportive environment. We’re really looking forward to showcasing the work at Queer Contact Festival in 2022.'

Amanda Fawcett, Programme Producer, HOME said:

'The pandemic has had an enormous impact on artists’ ability to create new work. This, combined with our long-standing support for LGBTQ+ artists, is why HOME is so proud to be part of this Network, and to be hosting both the premiere of the new work and the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network Conference in January'

Victoria Robinson, Chief Executive, The Met said:

‘We’re delighted to continue our support of the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network and the vital work it is doing creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists. The work created for Pride Stages was phenomenal, and we can’t wait to see what will come from this exciting new opportunity.’

Deadline to submit Expressions of Interest is Fri 17 September, 12pm.

To find out more, including how to apply, please go to:

lgbt.foundation/createbursary

Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.