Creative Opportunities
This page is dedicated to sharing creative opportunities both here at Exeter Phoenix and from other creative projects and organisations in the region.
Current Opportunities
Battle of the Bands call out
Wildcard battle of the bands is coming back to Exeter in 2026, and are looking for bands interested in taking part.
The first four rounds will take place at Bomba Exeter on Thu 08 Oct, Fri 09 Oct, Thu 15 Oct and Fri 16 Oct with the final taking place here at Exeter Phoenix on Sun 15 Nov.
The winners will receive:
- A day's recording and half day's mixing at Sound Gallery, Exeter
- A guest headline at Thekla, Bristol and hometown headline show
- A Photoshoot and press coverage with Sound magazine
Apply here>>>
We are Here to Share Scratch Performance Opportunity
Applications close: Thu 01 Oct
Performance Date: Tue 10 Nov
Are you a global majority* artist/creative based in Exeter or the surrounding areas? Got a new piece of work you’re developing? Want to test it in front of a live audience at Exeter Phoenix?
Beyond Face are welcoming submissions from artists looking for an opportunity to perform their work and gain invaluable audience feedback to support the development of their early-stage work.
We are Here to Share is Beyond Face’s long running scratch night which nurtures diverse artistic voices and celebrates new work in development.
Beyond Face are looking to support new ideas, stories and concepts for performance. These might be brand-new or previously tested works-in-progress. They are particularly interested in pieces of work with a joyful, uplifting or celebratory theme.
This could be a play, a story, a piece of dance, improv, comedy, clowning, a movement piece or something multidisciplinary. It can be any genre. Each chosen artist will be given a slot of up to 15 minutes.
What else do artists receive?
- £400 development fee and travel expenses to and from the venue.
- Audience feedback (if desired)
- Post-show feedback/dramaturgical support in a 1:1 session with a member of the Beyond Face artistic team. The Beyond Face team is made up of practicing artists who are highly experienced in both creating and supporting the development of new work.
- Professional photographs of your piece from the event
- An allocated tech rehearsal slot on the day of the event
Spork! Dead poets slam performer call out
Applications close: Mon 12 Oct
Performance Date: Fri 30 Oct | 7pm
The annual Dead Poets Slam is back, as part of the Spork! Poetry Halloween Special
Six famous poets will rise from the dead, brought to life by six contemporary artists for one night only, on Fri 30 October. They’ll battle it out in a chance to win everlasting life, plus a cash prize of £100.
Using a mixture of their own poetry, the work of their alias, and some stuff they make up on the night. Expect punches, pithy remarks and pure fire, in the ultimate graveyard smash.
Want to take part?
To apply, and for the full list of rules, email Spork! on sporkpoetry@gmail.com
this is the application form for the December event at Exeter Phoenix only, and there is a separate application form for the November event happening at Barnfield Theatre (deadline: 28th September)(opens in new tab)
Creative East Devon Fund
Deadline: Friday 16 October, midday
The Creative East Devon Fund (CEDF) provides discretionary financial support to local art and culture initiatives and projects that can demonstrate a commitment to developing the East Devon Cultural Strategy. Round 5 is now open for applications.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects taking place between January and December 2027.
this is the application form for the December event at Exeter Phoenix only, and there is a separate application form for the November event happening at Barnfield Theatre (deadline: 28th September)(opens in new tab)
Exeter Phoenix Scratch Night in collaboration with Exeter Northcott
Applications close: Mon 26 Oct
Performance date: Tue 01 Dec at Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix Scratch Night in collaboration with Exeter Northcott offers South West based artists in need of an audience a chance to stretch their ideas and the opportunity to test their work in the Exeter Phoenix Auditorium, along with £150 to help develop their idea and a small amount of rehearsal space before the Scratch Night.
this is the application form for the December event at Exeter Phoenix only, and there is a separate application form for the November event happening at Barnfield Theatre (deadline: 28th September)(opens in new tab)
Freelands Studio Fellowships 2027
Deadline: 15 Oct
The Freelands Studio Fellowship offers early career artists the opportunity to undertake a one-year, full-time, paid studio residency. This allows them to immerse themselves within the academic community and artistic ecology of an art school, in one of seven participating universities across the UK.
For the artist on the fellowship, working alongside art students and a faculty of tutors, lecturers and technicians, encourages them to examine their own practice, responding to tools and thoughts available within (and at times unique to) an educational context, while building their own approach to teaching.
this is the application form for the December event at Exeter Phoenix only, and there is a separate application form for the November event happening at Barnfield Theatre (deadline: 28th September)(opens in new tab)
Ongoing Opportunities
Creative Hub Publication
Looking for creative opportunities in the South West? Our Creative Hub publication shares monthly updates on all things creative in Exeter.
Commissions
Every year Exeter Phoenix commissions new work, primarily from artists, filmmakers and theatre makers based in the South West region.
Little Scratch Night
What comes before Scratch? The itch, of course!
Little Scratch is an informal, safe and nurturing space for local creatives to not only talk through their ideas, but to connect with fellow creatives about the kind of work they want to create, on a monthly basis.
Exhibiting Opportunities
Gallery333 is a dedicated space to exhibit small, contemporary art installations. It is an intimate ‘window’ gallery space with a secure glass door situated in a busy location within the building. Dimensions are 125cm high x 74cm wide x 36cm deep.
NEW BAND SHOWCASE
New Band Showcase is a regular opportunity for emerging musicians to perform on the big stage at Exeter Phoenix! We are a proud supporter of new talent and accept applications to perform at future New Band Showcases on an ongoing basis. Please email us with a link to listen to your work.
Join Our Team Of Volunteer Stewards
None of the day to day activity at Exeter Phoenix could be accomplished without our passionate team of volunteers and staff to make it happen. We’re always looking for new people to get involved.