Artist Support
We support artists because we think the world needs your unique voice. We know that expressing this voice, looking after it and getting it heard can be tough. Our support aims to remove a few obstacles and help you navigate the rest with confidence.
Whether you are based in Norfolk, or curious about connecting to it and its communities, if you are committed to development and would like to share that journey with us, we’re here to support.
Did you know?
- In 2024/2025 we supported artists with 61 hours of free creative and career development workshops through our Artist Network.
- In 2024/2025 we sat down with artists and companies for 222 hours to help them plan their creative and career ambitions.
- Since 2022 we have supported the design and writing of 14 successful Arts Council England applications.
Artist Network
The Network’s free-to-access programme aims to meet the real needs of artists, balancing creative inspiration with career necessities. Every season includes sessions on such subjects as funding applications, finance for freelancers, and self-producing. If you join the network you can also expect responsibly facilitated sessions to support wellbeing and resilience, and opportunities to explore vital issues affecting freelancers within the creative sector.
“The Artist Network has made me feel part of a community of local creatives in Norwich. Through workshops, I have had the opportunity to share space with other artists, forge new connections, and maintain my practice. If you are a new creative in the area, or just like the idea of being in a community who have your back, then I really recommend joining the network.”
– Dominic Weatherby, Emballage Theatre.
Who can join the network?
The network is free to join and is open to any professional and professionally-aspiring artist. Its primary focus is on supporting Norfolk-based artists. If you’re based further afield, you’re very welcome to join, but you should know that roughly 80% of the programme is delivered through in-person events, with the majority taking place at Norwich Theatre.
How can I join?
If you’d like to join the Artist Network you can do so by emailing artists@norwichtheatre.org
Supported Companies
We recognise that running a company requires knowledge and skills that extend artists beyond the creative space. We’ll work with you to maximize the strengths of your company and create a plan for long-term sustainability. Support might include mentoring, business planning, project management support, marketing advice, funding guidance and sessions to define company value and culture.
When orientated around a specific creative project, our support may include R&D design, in-kind space and audience and community engagement. On this page you can find out about just two of the many companies we support and what they feel about the relationship they have with us.
Compass Dance
We began supporting Compass Dance at an early stage in their development, partnering on a successful Arts Council England Project Grant that funded eighteen months of organisational growth. This included mentoring from inclusive dance leaders, becoming a CIC, and establishing new structures, procedures, and training schemes.
Based at Stage Two, they held weekly meetings and trained consistently, welcoming new dancers. We also helped plan a public showcase that introduced digital mapping into their choreography, in collaboration with Collusion.
Compass is now evaluating its work, exploring how assessment methods can be impactful and accessible. We’re proud to continue supporting their innovative and inclusive practice.
“Norwich Theatre has been an exceptional partner in supporting Compass Dance’s growth and organisation development. Their generosity with studio space and access to technical resources, including lighting, event support, and even prop/stage-building has enabled us to produce work that truly reflects our artistic vision. The Artist Development team has been consistently present and engaged, attending our events and taking real care to understand the heart of our work. That sense of being artistically understood and genuinely valued is invaluable. Their support has extended to our mentoring programme for emerging artists, with the team actively offering additional opportunities and guidance to those we are supporting. As a small arts organisation with limited resources, this relationship has had a profound impact on what we’ve been able to achieve.”
– Rosa Kentwood & Gaelin Little. Co-Artistic Directors, Compass Dance.
Small Nose
Small Nose are a clowning company in the East of England, led by Co-Directors Jason Mitchell and Mark Curtis. Through performances and workshops they drive social change with play, laughter and creativity, engaging schools, communities and audiences.
We began supporting them during a challenging period of post-pandemic fatigue and funding pressures. Together we got to know their story, and worked to rediscover their mission and joy, with mentoring that addressed both creative and organisational needs. After early setbacks, we co-designed a successful two-year Arts Council England grant focused on organisational development.
As a primary partner, we have supported three priorities: refining their brand and mission, renewing policies and strategy, and reviving performance through new creative associates. Along the way we’ve connected them with Norwich artists and Norfolk schools. They are now reviving their clowning version of Aesop’s Fables and developing projects around food and sustainability, while continuing to deliver workshops that spread laughter and creativity. We’ve been delighted to go on this journey with them, and they’ve made us laugh a lot in the process.
“Sometimes you can feel that your artistic ideas are no good, done before or that no-one is interested….it’s never the case! Being partnered with Norwich Theatre through this process has given us confidence in our voice!”
– Mark Curtis, Co-Artistic Director, Small Nose
Supported Artists
We recognise that for individual artists, whether just starting out or established, instigating projects on your own or seeking a step-change in your practice can be challenging. We celebrate the vision and independence of artists and their desire to take ownership of their careers and ideas. If you develop relationship with us, you’ll gain an ally and a sounding board, and gain the confidence to explore new creative avenues or be more aspirational with your career. On this page you can find out about just two of the many artists we support and what they feel about the relationship they have with us.
“What being involved and supported by Norwich Theatre has enabled me to do, is to be able to take risks and explore ideas. The mentoring, support, and space has allowed my work to be experienced in a more meaningful way, and by a different demographic, and has also encouraged me as a choreographer to think in a different way, and have the assurance that I am creating work that has integrity and relevance.”
– Anne Tiburtius
“Norwich Theatre have been not just knowledgeable and thorough but also given generously of their time, helping me with the application and delivery, as well as supporting through matched funding. This support has been a game changer for me!”
– Samia Malik