The Point Seeks Associate Artists for 2016-17 Programme

As The Point, Eastleigh prepares for a year of celebratory events and reflects on the past two decades of extraordinary contribution to the arts, Creative Producer Sacha Lee searches for Associate Artists for the venue's 2016/17 programme to be part of its exciting future.

The venue is more committed than ever to support artists as part of its Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funded Powered by The Point programme.

Are you an artist or company looking to become immersed in one of the South Coast's most important arts hubs? Do you want to receive invaluable mentoring from industry experts and benefit from creative residencies in the inimitable Creation Space, while making significant contacts? If so, the Associate Artist scheme at The Point could be for you.

This year The Point is seeking applications from April onwards, for a period of 12-24 months, and is on the lookout for both three established artists or companies and one in the early stages of their career.

Previous Associate Artists that have gone from strength-to-strength since their time with The Point include Fringe First Award winner Milk Presents, commissioned company Joli Vyann, and Total Theatre Award winner Two Destination Language. Current Associate Artists Shark Legs have won the coveted Les Enfants Terribles Award, giving them a cash injection of £1,000 and a guaranteed slot at The Pleasance Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This will also include additional support from one of the most prestigious venues at the festival alongside invaluable mentoring from Les Enfants Terribles Theatre Company.

The Point has supported over 20 artists and companies from a range of disciplines throughout its 20 year history. Now Sacha Lee looks for artists or companies who are keen to work in or around Eastleigh while making strides in their career, working within a performance context that includes: theatre, aerial, dance, circus, street theatre, work for children, disabled arts, and site specific/outdoor.

Associate Artists receive a host of benefits including dedicated mentoring, organisational advice, key networking opportunities, and residency periods in the venue's residential Creation Space.

In return, The Point asks that artists engage fully with the venue, becoming a part of the wider programmes; hosting open rehearsals and talks, including the venue's new Open Space series, working with the marketing team to create an open dialogue with audiences exploring new work through live and digital means, and acting as an ambassador of The Point.

"Our company has developed more in 4 months than it did in a whole year before we arrived (at The Point). It gives you time to make mistakes, take risks, have fun, and grow as a company." - Milk Presents

To find out more and take a tour of The Point, you can book onto emerging artist event Pitch 'n' Mix on Thursday 17th March, 10-6pm. Alternatively, join staff at the venue for a drink before the acclaimed Richard Alston Dance Company takes to the stage for an evening of contemporary dance, also on 17th March, at 7.30pm.

To apply to be an Associate Artist your application should be submitted by midday on Wednesday 23rd March. The invitation to meet will be held on 11th April. To find out more about this truly exciting opportunity, and learn how to apply, visit www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk/artists.

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