Applications are invited for inclusion in Culture Ireland’s 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival Showcase (7 – 31 August 2026)
Culture Ireland invites applications to support the presentation of work in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of Culture Ireland’s 2026 Showcase Programme.
The Edinburgh Fringe offers an important and unique platform for Irish theatre and dance artists to gain international recognition for their work and further international touring opportunities.
In line with previous years, the objectives of Culture Ireland’s 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Showcase Programme are:
- to showcase high quality Irish performances to international audiences
- to build Irish artists’ connections with festival and venue presenters, producers and promoters
- to generate international touring opportunities
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- high quality innovative production and presentation, including an undertaking that work is “Tour Ready” and applicant is actively seeking international touring opportunities
- evidence of positive independent critical recognition
- demonstration of partnership with an established Edinburgh Fringe venue
- how it fits within the overall objectives of Culture Ireland Showcase Programme at Edinburgh Fringe
- capacity of the artist or company to avail of opportunities arising from inclusion in the Edinburgh Showcase
- international programming and touring trends
Culture Ireland Support:
Culture Ireland will offer funding to successful applicants towards expenses in presenting their work as part of Edinburgh Fringe, including travel, accommodation, subsistence, freight and the Fringe registration fee. Applicants must demonstrate that all participants (artists, technicians etc.) are being appropriately remunerated.
All successful applicants will be promoted by Culture Ireland as part of Culture Ireland’s Showcase Programme and included in networking opportunities with international presenters. A representative from the production team must be available to participate in Culture Ireland’s networking events. In addition, Culture Ireland will work with Irish Theatre Institute to ensure that artists and companies are prepared for the opportunity.
How to Apply:
Applicants must complete and submit a Showcase application online. Click here to submit application. Supporting documentation MUST include:
- a detailed project budget (uploaded as a separate Excel file in the additional documents section of the application system) including all sources of projected income and expenditure - IF AN ADDITIONAL PROJECT BUDGET IS NOT SUBMITTED, THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE DEEMED ELIGIBLE
- copies of reviews received to date
- invite from the venue, including outline details of the contractual agreement
- high quality production images
- if work is already recorded, please include link
Applications must be submitted online before the deadline of midnight on Wednesday 11th February 2026.
Applications will be assessed by Culture Ireland with the assistance of external panellists.
Access
If you require additional support in completing this application, please contact [email protected]
Any Questions?
Culture Ireland will host a zoom information session on its Edinburgh Showcase programme on Wednesday 28th January at 12 noon – session will last about 45 minutes. To register for this, please mail: [email protected] and we will share the meeting link.
