Aberdeen Performing Arts is looking for proposals for Light The Blue 2023, their multi-artform festival that celebrates the creativity of young people aged 5-25. This year’s festival will take place from 10 – 18 June 2023 across Aberdeen with a programme of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film and more.

They’re committed to creating a relevant, inclusive and inspirational festival that represents the diversity of young people in the city and beyond. They’re looking for ideas that put young people’s voices above anything else. There’s no set themes or strict parameters, they simply want to hear the most exciting ideas and support you to make them a reality.

What are they looking for?

They’re inviting submissions from groups and organisations who work creatively with young people aged 5-25, as well as from young artists themselves.   You might be a youth theatre, a dance group, a community group or an independent artist. You might meet regularly or be bringing a group together specially for this project. 

 There is no set theme for Light The Blue, however they’ll be most excited by ideas and stories that feel relevant to young people and put them at the heart of the creation process. They are particularly interested in hearing from those who work with young people from diverse and marginalised backgrounds. 

They actively encourage like-minded organisations to submit proposals as collectives and will also identify opportunities to encourage collaboration between groups based on the proposals they receive. Whilst the majority of the programme will be made up of groups based in Aberdeen and the North East, they are also keen to hear from those based across Scotland. Programmed acts will be encouraged to be climate-conscious in their approach – using recycled materials as much as possible, for example.  

What’s the application process? 

Please submit your idea by 5pm, Mon 6 March 2023 via the following online form: https://forms.office.com/e/56347v4z9d.

The form asks for information about your group/organisation/work, the idea you’re proposing and the young people involved in it. They are also happy to consider proposals in alternative formats. Please contact Jordan Blackwood via the email below to discuss.

What happens after the deadline?  

Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis up to the deadline.  

Any questions? 

If you have any questions or you’re not sure if your idea is suitable, contact Jordan Blackwood, Light The Blue Creative Producer, at jordan.blackwood@aberdeenperformingarts.com.