SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DISABLED ARTISTS.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE JOY ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, SUPPORTING FOUR EMERGING DISABLED ARTISTS WITH MENTORING, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, NETWORKING AND A PAID PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY AS PART OF JOY FESTIVAL 2026.
We are excited to launch the Joy Artist Development Programme, a new development opportunity for disabled artists as part of Joy Festival 2026.
The Joy Artist Development Programme will support four emerging disabled artists in developing their professional artistic career and practice. The programme will offer 4 artists a programme of 1:1 mentoring, networking, professional seminars with leading disability arts organisations, plus rehearsal time culminating in a performance slot during the Joy Festival Studio performance week in October.
Please read the full information on the programme before applying:
Joy Artist Development Programme Information Pack – PDF Version
Joy Artist Development Programme Information Pack – Word Version
Joy Artist Development Programme Information Pack – BSL Version
Key information
Applications open: Friday 17th July, 10am
Applications close: Monday 17th August, 10am
Informal chats/interviews: w/c 17th August, by arrangement*
*Please note we will offer to have short, informal conversations with candidates whose applications we would like to know more about. You may be accepted onto the programme without a chat with the team, or we may invite you to talk to us about your idea if we feel we need further clarification.
Programme start date: 4th September 2026
How to apply
You can apply to the Artist Development Programme via our online application, or submit a word document via email:
JOY ADP Application Form – online application
Joy ADP Application Form – Word version
We also accept applications via video or audio recording, which you can submit via the online application form or email.
If you need to apply a different way, or need any of this information in a different format, please email
We are grateful for the support of our funders & partners: Arts Council England, Dr Edwards and Bishop’s King Fulham Charity, The Daisy Trust, Lyric Hammersmith & HF Arts Fest.
