Mentoring Residency, Brighton, 12-14th January 2026: Expression of Interest

About the Open Call

A unique opportunity for independent artists, practitioners and artistic directors to bring a current project, idea or area of practice to explore and develop under the guidance of mentor Charlotte Vincent, over 3 days in Brighton. Participants will filter their current choreographic and / or socially engaged practice through Vincent’s own rigorous methodology, exploring how to take creative risks in a supportive, trauma-informed environment. The residency offers an invaluable space to challenge and scrutinise current creative practice, clarify concepts and inject usual approach with new ideas and different approaches. Participants will be part of a group offering peer knowledge exchange, exploration and support as everyone’s individual processes unfold. Each day will begin with an open and expansive warm-up / somatic practice session led by VDT’s Participation Producer Antonia Grove, followed by rigorous and reflective mentoring sessions with Charlotte based around each participant’s chosen area of work. After three days of intensive work, artists might feel less isolated and more connected with their practice and each other. VDT is expert in safeguarding and aim to ensure everyone taking part feels safe and supported in order to engage fully and authentically with their creativity. The work will take place at Ceyda Tanc’s The Studio in Brighton – a calm space where lunch can be eaten communally and small break out rooms can be used to write and reflect over the three days. Included in the residency is an opportunity for a 1-2-1 mentoring session with Charlotte within the week and a follow-up 1.5 hour online session in February / March 2026 with Charlotte to support mentees to reflect on and apply any learning from our time shared in Brighton. Participants should attend all three days. Maximum of 8 participants. £250 x 6 places, plus 2 free bursary places available. Selected participants confirmed week commencing 26 November 2025. Global majority communities remain under-represented in UK dance, hence one full fee bursary is available for an artist from the global majority. Women still represent less than 30% of choreographers and 36% of Artistic Directors in UK publicly funded organisations, hence one full fee bursary is available for a female artist.

What is Offered

Mentoring, peer knowledge exchange, somatic practice sessions, 1-2-1 mentoring session, follow-up online session, safe and supportive environment, bursary opportunities

Requirements

Independent artists, practitioners, and artistic directors. Must attend all three days of the residency. Completion of Expression of Interest form. Open to artists at various stages of their creative and professional journey.

How to Apply

Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form online. Provide details of your creative and professional journey, describe the project or area of practice you would like to explore, and explain the envisaged impact of the residency on your development. Indicate if you wish to be considered for a bursary (Global Majority or female artist).