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. 

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

*please note, The Dukes does not offer commission to artists for this programme

The Dukes also offers advocacy within Venues North and other relevant networks and events.


We are now looking for our next Associate Artists! 
The Dukes are looking for up to five theatre makers/creatives to join them as Associate Artists for a period of 18 months. Theatre makers, companies or individuals from an array of artistic discipline. This could include: writers, directors, designers, producers, companies and others that may benefit from this opportunity.

To apply, please send an expression of interest explaining why you would like to be an Associate Artist (no more than one side of A4) as well as a summary (or CV) of your experience and past work. We’d especially love to know how you would like to collaborate with us. Please send this to ask@dukeslancaster.org with the subject ‘ FAO: Emma Nixon - Associate Artist Application’.

Deadline for applications: Monday 17th August 2026

For the shortlisted artists, we will be in touch and it's likely you'll be invited to an informal meeting to discuss your work and ideas. 

Meet the Associate Artists Here: COMING SOON!

Associate Artist Alumni

One Tenth Human 2022-2025

Elspeth Dale 2025-2026 
Joel Phillimore 2025-2026
Jilly Sumsion 2025-2026
Christine Mackie 2025-2026
Adam Davies 2025-2026

BLAST FEST 2026

BLAST FEST 2026

BLASTFEST is a festival packed with opportunities for Lancashire or North West-based artists. This event takes place annually at The Dukes, and allows artists to showcase new writing as a work in progress and gain audience feedback. This is the perfect opportunity for a show that is heading to a Fringe Festival that is in need of support and early input. 

What We Offer

· Cash award (amount determined annually)

· 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

Your performance should have no/minimal set or props and you are responsible securing actors.

SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2026 - Keep your eye out for 2027 opportunities.