We are seeking creatives from across Scotland to collaborate with us on the creation of a major new immersive experience for Northern Lights Dumfries 2027.

The live experience will take place over three nights from 29–31 January 2027 and is expected to welcome audiences of approximately 12,000 people as part of Northern Lights Dumfries.

Successful artists will receive a fee of £4,500, alongside accommodation in Dumfries during both the Immersive Lab and production periods where required.

This opportunity builds on the success of previous immersive works including Divided (2025) and Burns Light, both presented as part of Big Burns Supper.

We are interested in collaborating with creatives from a wide range of disciplines who are excited by the possibilities of site-responsive and immersive performance-making. We will select one artist from each of the following disciplines:

• Digital (Light Art, Animation, Film, Projection Mapping)
• Performance Design (Costume, Lighting or Set Design)
• Performance (Dance, Theatre-Making)
• Sound (Music or Sound Design)

Together, the selected artists will develop a new 10-minute immersive experience that combines narrative-led dance theatre with projection mapping, soundscapes and performance technology to create an interactive world for audiences to explore.

The project will begin with an Immersive Lab, bringing together lead creatives alongside specialists in immersive storytelling and technology to inspire and shape the development of the work.

Availability

Applicants must be available for the following dates:

• Immersive Lab: 7–11 September 2026 (Dumfries)
• Team Day: 28 November 2026
• Production Period: 25–27 January 2027
• Preview Performance: 28 January 2027

Following the Immersive Lab, each selected artist will work independently and flexibly over a three-month development period between September and November, supported by a mentor from the creative team. Artists will contribute material towards the final production, with submissions shared at the Team Day on 28 November 2026.

Each artist is expected to contribute approximately 22 days across the project period, depending on the nature of their creative brief.

Eligibility

Applicants must be based in Scotland or originally from Scotland.

Accommodation in Dumfries will be provided during the R&D and production periods where necessary.

Key Dates

• Information Webinar: Thursday 11 June, 2pm
• Application Deadline: 23 June at 23:59
• Online Interviews: Monday 29 June
• Artists Confirmed: Wednesday 1 July

Application process:

• Upload your CV
• Give us three links to your work (a link to audio, video or otherwise) or use the space to upload these (max file size is 25Mb)
• Tell us in 200 words why you will bring to this piece
• Provide some equalities monitoring answers to help us understand who our work is reaching

If you require the process in larger print or you need us to make any adjustments to the process, or if you have any questions about the project in advance of the webinar, please email us at programming@bigburnssupper.com

We will publish the video of the webinar shortly after this has taken place.