EPAD Supported Residencies - Autumn 2026

Following a highly successful pilot in 2024 supported by City of Edinburgh Council, we are delighted to have been awarded funds from Creative Scotland to offer eight Supported Residencies across Edinburgh this autumn.  Between September and November 2026, we will be working with Assembly Roxy, Craigmillar Now, Fruitmarket, Lyra, North Edinburgh Arts, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Traverse and WHALE to host eight Edinburgh-based independents working in the performing arts. 

In response to challenges facing Edinburgh’s independent sector, our aim with this programme is to make it easier for Edinburgh's performing artists to develop their work locally and to create a meaningful connection to the city's venues.

We want this to be an opportunity for creative ideas to be tested out in a safe and supportive environment. Each hosted artist and venue will agree shared objectives for the residency, and there will be no requirement to show or share work at the end of the residency period unless this is of benefit to the artist. Each residency has been shaped to support the creative and community priorities of the host venue, and applicants will need to show how their experience and proposed project aligns with the venue focus.  All costs will be paid for by EPAD, with fees being paid to all hosted artists and to the venues for hire costs.

All those who are involved in the Supported Residencies will become part of a Learning Cohort to encourage shared learning and to support good practice in the delivery of creative development residencies.

To find out more and for details of how to apply, please read our Guidance document here. The closing date for submissions is Monday 4th May. 

In line with EPAD's non-competitive and inclusive ethos, the selection for each Supported Residency will be made using random selection from all eligible applications.