Inside Out: Call-out for early career dance artists

Stuart invites you to join the project to support and contribute to his embodied enquiry into the disabled body as an archive, while generously sharing his knowledge, practice, methods, and networks across Eastbourne and the South Coast. Through coaching, research, and creative exploration, he will introduce his adaptable approach to dance as a model for research, engagement, creation and performance. 

What will I get?

A disabled-led programme offering a range of opportunities for early-career dance artists, including:

• Free access to masterclasses with collaborators within the project
• Free group and one-to-one career coaching sessions with Stuart
• Access to Stuart's studio process/sharings with collaborators and invited guests
• Networking opportunities with artists and collaborators from various disciplines across the Southeast
• £75 honorarium for your time, plus travel expenses covered

What will I gain?

• A valuable self-development opportunity to explore your body through movement
• The chance to observe, listen, and experience a range of practices and approaches
• Space to develop and deepen your artistic practice
• Opportunities for critical and self-reflection through dance, with coaching to support meaningful change
• A chance to connect with artists and expand your network within the South East dance and arts community
   

When is it?
The main activity will take place between April and May 2025, with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions.

Where is it?
Most in person activity will take place across the South Coast, particularly Eastbourne, Brighton and Canterbury. 

Who is it for?

• This opportunity is open to early-career dance artists based in the South East of England
• Based on the themes, the project actively encourages artists with physical and hidden disabilities to apply. Although we are unable to cover your access costs, we welcome artists with their access support workers into the space.
• The space is led by Stuart’s access, meaning the space will be queer, neurodivergent and mental health friendly.
• Early-career dance artists age 18+ (within their first five years of professional work)
• Artists re-entering the sector after a time away
• Artists with or without disabilities interested in exploring intersectionality
• Dance artists from any discipline (makers, teachers, performers, community practitioners, etc.)
• Those interested in reflective practice and contributing to conversation/feedback
• Artist exploring autobiographical processes and internal worlds in their work
• Curious, observant, and reflective thinkers eager to broaden their practice and work intergenerationally
   

How To Apply:

Apply here

Deadline: Monday 17 March, 9am
Notification: You will be informed of the outcome in the week beginning 24 March
Questions? Contact us at programming@southeastdance.org.uk

About Stuart Waters (he/him) 
Stuart Waters is an exceptional, compelling and fearless dance-maker. His powerful, critically-acclaimed autobiographical work draws on his experience as a neurodivergent, queer man living with mental health access needs

After a 22 year career as a touring performer he has shifted into being a dance and live art performance maker, holding brave and safe spaces which he curates as well as performs in

The collaborative nature of his practice is empowering, and underpins his creative process and the participation projects he leads. His activism draws on his lived experiences of marginalisation and seeks to increase opportunities for other marginalised artists’.

Stuart’s learning and participation work inspires, educates and challenges participants, and is influencing and informing artistic directors, companies and conservatoires to develop excellent practice. He advocates for diversity, mental health and emotional safety in the sector through his performance and participation work, alongside delivering training, workshops, public speaking and events.