A creative catalyst
The Dukes is a catalyst space: a facilitator for artists to create, providing them with the resources, skills and space to develop their work and practice. The Dukes places artists centrally and we ensure our talent development programmes are designed, informed and delivered by artists.
Creative Network Launch Event
Calling all Practitioners, Teachers and Creatives!
Join us at The Dukes for the launch of our new Creative Network, aiming to unite local artists and educators in a safe and creative space for discussions and sharing around themes of creative learning practice. To mark the launch of the network, we are thrilled to be working in conjunction with Chickenshed Theatre who will be joining us from London to run a practical and interactive session looking at playful learning and exploration without parameters.
“Chickenshed is a theatre company for absolutely everyone. For fifty years, we’ve created bold and beautiful work from our limitless belief in each other. The Tales from the Shed team are thrilled to be attending The Dukes in January 2026, as part of the Creative Network launch for local artists. In this two-hour session, we'll be looking at play as a tool for creating and exploring, as well as generating theatre with no boundaries for young audiences” (Chickenshed).
There are limited places for this FREE training and networking opportunity so don’t miss out and book today!
Associate Artists
Our Associate Artists are new, mid-career or established artists and companies who are developing and making theatrical work in the North West of the UK. Over a period of 18 months, we at The Dukes support those artists to reach their goals and aspirations.
What is the Associate Artist Programme?
Within our Talent Development programme, The Dukes’ ambition is for our venue to be known in the North West as a welcome hub for artists to collaborate and stretch their creative muscles. The Dukes is committed to providing support to our selected Associate Artists, who are at varying stages of their career, with the hopes of establishing a creative, empowered and balanced partnership. We also wish to bring artists together, so they too can expand their working relationships.
The Associate Artist Programme provides support such as:
- Free rehearsal space
- Programming opportunities
- Professional advice
- Technical and Marketing advice and support
- Hot-desking
The Dukes also offers advocacy within Venues North and other relevant networks and events.
Meet the Associate Artists Here:
https://dukeslancaster.org/get...
Associate Artist Alumni
One Tenth Human 2022-2025
Open Space
Open space is a free R & D space open to all North West Based artists in our Moor Space*. The space is available - subject to existing scheduled activities Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays: 10 am – 6 pm, Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10am – 4 pm.
The offer is for space, working light and 13a power only, it does not include technical support.
Any sharing’s of work in progress can be free or Pay What You Decide but need to be invite only.
Please download and complete the Open Space pre-arrival form and send to openspace@dukeslancaster.org
*compromise may sometimes be needed and Gallery Space may be offered instead.
BLAST FEST 2026
As part of BLASTFEST 2026, we’re looking for five Lancashire or North West-based artists who have new or in-development work that would benefit from a work-in-progress sharing and audience feedback. We are particularly interested in hearing from those who have a show programmed for the Edinburgh Fringe 2026 who might be looking to preview their work.
What We're Looking For
· Lancashire or North West-based artists
· A piece of new writing of approx 15 minutes in length (this can be an extract from a longer piece)
· Available for the sharing on Thursday 4th June 2026
What We’re Offering
· £250 cash
· Rehearsal space (available Mon 1st June – Thurs 4th June)
· BLASTFEST sharing slot (15 min) on Thursday 4th June 2026
· Production photography
· Show Pack (for future programmers, co-producers and investors)
· Budget and cashflow templates
· Marketing plan template
· Audience vox pops
· Audience feedback
We’re open to submissions from individual artists, companies or collectives. Your performance should have no/minimal set or props and you are responsible securing actors.
About BLASTFEST
BLASTFEST is a festival packed with opportunities for Lancashire or North West-based artists. In 2026, BLASTFEST runs Monday 1st June – Thursday 4th June and features a range of other activity for artists, actors and creatives.
How To Submit
Email the following with the subject BLASTFEST 2026: Artist Submission to ask@dukeslancaster.org:
· Your 15-minute script as an attachment
· Your email address, mobile number and post code
· Up to 300 words about you as an artist
· Up to 300 words about your script
Deadline: Monday 27th April 2026 We will contact everyone either way by Thursday 30th April.
