Artist Takeover

A partnership between English National Opera and Factory International

Closing Date - 11:59 PM, Monday 9 November 2026
Please contact us at artist.development@factoryinternational.org if you require any support in completing your application.

Do you have an ambitious creative idea you want to explore, experiment with and develop at scale?

In February 2027, English National Opera and Factory International are handing over the North Warehouse at Aviva Studios for up to six days.

We’re inviting an artist, collective or creative team to take over the space and explore new approaches to opera, musical theatre, performance and storytelling.

This is an opportunity to take a creative risk: to test an idea, work at scale and explore something that might not be possible elsewhere.

There is no expectation to create a finished work or a successful ‘outcome’. The focus is on experimentation, testing and discovery. You can use the time to try things out, change direction, bring people together, research, make, rehearse or simply see what is possible in the space.

Any sharing of the work will be optional and shaped around what is useful to you and your idea.

What we’re looking for

We welcome artists from any discipline, working individually or as part of a collective or creative team.

You should:

• Be 18 or over

• Be based in the North of England

• Have at least five years of professional practice

• Have an idea that would benefit from being explored at large scale

• Be interested in developing new approaches to music, performance, storytelling or interdisciplinary practice

• Be available from Dec 2026 to develop and prepare your idea

We’re particularly interested in artists who are exploring fresh and contemporary approaches to storytelling, music and performance, and who are interested in crossing artforms or working in new ways.

We particularly welcome applications from artists who are underrepresented in the sector, including disabled artists, artists from the Global Majority and female artists.

What we’ll give you

The selected artist or collective will receive:

• Up to six days in the North Warehouse at Aviva Studios

• A development and production budget to support artist fees, research and development, production and other costs

• A dedicated Production Manager to help develop your ideas and support you through the process

• Support from our producing team

• Access to specialist technical, digital, curatorial and engagement expertise

• Time, space and resources to experiment and develop your idea

• Creative feedback and critical dialogue throughout the process

• Support with production planning and delivery

• Opportunities to connect with people and networks within English National Opera, Factory International and beyond

• Support to organise a public sharing or targeted industry event, where this would be useful to the development of the work

• Access costs for disabled artists and collectives

We’ll work with you to shape how the six days are used, based on what your idea needs. This could include creative development, research, workshops, rehearsals, making, testing, technical experimentation or bringing collaborators into the space.

There is no expectation to create a finished or public work. You might choose to invite creative peers or critical friends to see what you’re developing, or share something at the end of the week. The priority is giving you the time, space, resources and expertise to explore an ambitious idea and see where it could lead.

How to apply

At the first stage, we want to understand you, your practice and the idea you want to explore.

You do not need to have a fully developed production proposal.

You can apply in one of two ways:

• Complete our online application form, or

• Submit a film application of up to five minutes.

The application process

Stage 1 — Expression of Interest

Tell us about yourself, your practice and the idea you would like to explore.

Stage 2 — Fuller Application

If you are invited to the second stage, we’ll ask you to develop a fuller proposal. This will include more information about your idea, creative team, budget and approach.

You will be paid £100 for your time at this stage.

Stage 3 — Interview

We’ll invite shortlisted artists or collectives to an interview to talk about your practice and idea in more detail.

Stage 4 — Selection and Development

Following the interviews, we’ll select the artist or collective who will take part in the Artist Takeover.

Our team will then work with you in the weeks leading up to the Takeover to develop your idea and prepare for your time in the space.

Key dates

Applications open: Tuesday 12 October, 12 PM
Applications close: Monday 9 November, 11:59 PM
Second-stage invitations: 19–30 November
Interviews: 3 December
Takeover week: Monday 22 – Saturday 27 February 2027

Drop-in information session: Wednesday 28th October, 6 PM – 7 PM

This is a chance to come to a drop-in session to view the warehouse and ask us any questions regarding the opportunity to our producers and technical director. Interested in joining? Please email us to let us know you'll be attending at artist.development@factoryinternational.org.

Ready to take over?

We’re looking for ideas with ambition, imagination and potential — and artists who are excited to explore what might be possible when given the time, space and support to experiment.

If you have questions about the opportunity or application process, contact the Artist Development team at artist.development@factoryinternational.org.