Open Call: Artsadmin Lab 2026
We’re pleased to invite contemporary performance artists to apply for Artsadmin Lab 2026, a curated residency programme based at Toynbee Studios.
Lab supports artists in the early stages of developing new work, offering time, space, and professional support to explore ideas without the pressure of producing a finished outcome. The programme is open to artists and creative practitioners working within or across live and interdisciplinary practices, including performance, theatre, dance, circus, music, and cabaret.
In 2026, Lab will run two themed cohorts: Roots and Repair.
- Lab Cohort 1: Roots: (24–28 August 2026)
- Lab Cohort 2: Repair: (12–16 October 2026)
What to expect from Artsadmin Lab
- Free rehearsal space: One-week residency at Toynbee Studios
- Financial support: £1,000
- Mentorship: One year of ongoing guidance from the Artsadmin producing team
- Lab Alumni Network: Access to the Artsadmin Lab Alumni network, including invitations to events and opportunities to share work at ELABORATE
- Future opportunities: Invitations to participate in Artsadmin programme events and share work as opportunities arise
Who is it for?
At Artsadmin, we are committed to supporting our community of artists to grow and develop their artistic practice. Artsadmin Lab 2026 is open to UK-based contemporary performance artists who have participated in the Artsadmin Artist Support Programme between 1 July 2025 and 1 July 2026, including:
Artists may be at any stage in their career and must be 18+.
How to Apply
How to Apply
The process has two stages. First, eligible artists are invited to submit a short Expression of Interest (EOI) through our online submission platform. The submission portal opens on 30 June and closes on 14 July at 12pm.
Shortlisted artists will then be invited to a Lab Panel, a relaxed conversation where you can talk through your ideas with Artsadmin staff. Panels will take place on 3 & 4 August.
To submit an EOI, please:
- Click on the Apply Now button below
- Sign up/ log in to the Awardstage portal
- Click ‘Create an entry’ on the Dashboard page
- Select Lab 2026 from the list
Preparing your Expression of Interest
We recommend starting to think about your EOI ahead of time. All the information you’ll need to prepare is available below, including guidance documents and an EOI template.
Please allow plenty of time to complete and submit your application. Applications received after the deadline cannot be considered, so we recommend applying early where possible.
Key Dates
- Lab 2026 Online Information Session: 18 June 2026
- Submission Portal open for EOI: 30 June 2026
- EOI deadline: 14 July 2026 12pm
- EOI applicants notified: 29 July 2026
- Panels: 3 August 2026 (Roots) and 4 August 2026 (Repair)
- Final artists notified by: 7 August 2026
Residencies
- Lab Cohort 1: Roots: (24–28 August 2026)
- Lab Cohort 2: Repair: (12–16 October 2026)
Need help?
You may find what you’re looking for in our Guidance Documents, which cover most questions. If you’re still unsure or would like to ask something else, feel free to email us at admin@artsadmin.co.uk.
Please note that eligibility criteria cannot be waived and the deadline cannot be extended for individuals. If you are not eligible for this round of the Lab, or miss the deadline, we encourage you to apply for the next round.