We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the first round of WalesLab projects.

Over the next five years, WalesLab will use the nation as a landscape for developing new theatre projects. Twice a year open calls will be published inviting theatre makers and artists from other disciplines, to apply for short residencies to develop an idea or piece of work. This is all thanks to significant investment from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

The initiative is split into three strands:

Pollinate:         A summer camp for up to twenty theatre makers and artists of varied experience to share ideas, learn from each other and stimulate new collaborations and projects.

Fertilise:          For around a week small groups will work on the development of a project they have proposed. There will be up to eight Fertilise projects a year, some of which may have an international element.

Germinate:     Three times a year small groups of artists will be offered the opportunity to spend around two weeks somewhere in Wales developing an idea or project which they have already begun working on, and will share their work with a local audience. There will be three Germinate projects a year, one of which will have an international element.

In this initial round of applications we will accepting proposals for the first four Fertilise projects, which will take place between October 2011 & February 2012.

• Applications will close at 5pm on the 31^st August.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in the week commencing 12^th September.
• Announcement of the successful applicants will be made on 19^th September.

The next round of applications will open in November 2011, for Fertilise and Germinate projects happening between March and June 2012.

To apply please go to the WalesLab group where you'll find an online application form and an updated FAQ's. If you can't find what you need to know there then either post the question in that group or message me directly.

Matt