Irish Theatre Institute invites applications from playwrights and theatre-makers interested in participating in the eighth cycle of Six in the Attic (SITA) programme. SITA 2018/19 will provide six artists with the space, time and practical resources alongside the bespoke mentoring and advice services needed to focus, explore and develop their practice.

Successful applicants will, for twelve months, benefit from access to a designated desk space and administrative resources, as well as ITI’s framework of expertise and strategic mentoring supports.

Participating artists can expect:

SIX IN THE ATTIC RESOURCES & SUPPORT

•    A designated desk space on the fourth floor (the ‘Attic’) of Irish Theatre Institute, 17 Eustace St, Temple Bar.

•    Access to in-house information services and expertise on an ‘on-the-spot’ basis and mentoring on a wide range of subjects both practical and strategic including career development, networking, project management, making funding applications, planning and budgeting.

•    Engagement in a series of sessions with key industry professionals including Irish and UK-based dramaturgs and London-based Literary Managers from new writing houses.

•    Participation in a programme of formal continuing professional development sessions, for which a daily ITI Artists’ Payment Rate will be paid.

•    Regular SITA meetings with fellow participants to foster a sense of community and ensure the artist is achieving the maximum benefit out of the resources available.

•    Registration for Information Toolbox and International Theatre eXchange, as appropriate.

•    WiFi access and a monthly allocation of photocopying and printing facilities.

•    Access to a space suitable for workshops, castings, readings, production meetings and artistic planning.

•    Insurance (for unincorporated artists/companies) while working on the premises.

•    An ITI Artist’s Practice Bursary of €500 to use to access resources to support their work e.g. materials, workshop attendance, documentation, travel expenses for research/networking.

•    Assistance with project management, budget monitoring and general producing advice and/or supports.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

•    An established base from which to work, which will foster a sense of community with your peers and facilitate engagement with the wider national arts sector.

•    Access to in-house expertise and support, mentoring and the encouragement to think on a strategic level in terms of your practice and the trajectory of your career.

•    The opportunity to grow your individual profile and networks nationally and internationally via key professional engagements.

•    Access to a clean, well-managed environment with access to well-equipped kitchen facilities.

REQUIREMENTS

•    Application is open to professional theatre-makers or playwrights with at least one play-script produced by a recognised professional company.

•    Applicants must submit a brief written proposal (of no more than 500 words) stating in detail their aims and ambitions for the period from May 2018 – April 2019 accompanied by a CV outlining their recent professional theatre activities with an emphasis on writing activities.

•    Applications should be addressed to Eláine Donnelly, General Manager and sent by email to info@irishtheatreinstitute.ie

•    Please note: The 2018/19 SITA scheme is open to applications from current SITA artists and SITA Alumni. It is expected that decisions will be made in a competitive context and based on need.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

•    Friday 6th April 2018, 5pm

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

•    All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you apply and do not receive an email please contact us to ensure your application has reached us safely.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS & SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be assessed by ITI’s Executive and an external assessor, with a view to creating a shortlist for interview.

Final selection of the 2018/19 Six in the Attic participants will be made following interviews. Interviews will be held in mid-April 2018.

Application will be by open call to ensure fair selection and a wide range of participating artists.

ITI operates a set of professional criteria in relation to inclusion in its various programmes which is based on factors such as commitment to the art form, evidence of previous work, a set of clearly articulated ambitions and a real intention to develop a sustainable career. These criteria apply to Six in the Attic.

Six individual artists and/or companies and writers will be offered individual desk space in the building. Additional artists may be offered space if desk sharing arrangements can be facilitated and if deemed appropriate by the interview panel.

ITI welcomes applications from theatre artists working through Irish.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

A set of terms and conditions is in place and will be agreed with the selected artists in relation to access hours to the ITI building, use of facilities and equipment. All selected artists will be expected to respect the premises and facilities provided.

Irish Theatre Institute is core funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon