Cryptic Nights Call Out 27/28

Cryptic Nights is a paid platform for developing — not creating from scratch — existing work that combines original sound or music with performance, installation, screen-based art, or new uses of technology, for the 2027–28 programme. Solo artists are paid £800 and groups up to £2,000, and selected artists also get a mentoring session, up to two days of residency time plus a performance or presentation, professional photo and video documentation, marketing and PR support, an audience feedback pack, and free tickets to other Cryptic Nights events; anyone based outside Scotland's Central Belt also gets travel and accommodation covered, and there's an access budget, including up to £150 to help with the costs of applying itself. It's for emerging, Scotland-based artists not in full-time education — people at any life stage, including those changing direction — but traditional theatre, literature, comedy, circus, and dance on their own aren't what the programme is looking for, and only existing work is considered, not new commissions. You apply with an online form and a separate inclusion form, both available in written, video, or audio format, or by post as a Word document. There's no published scoring criteria; the selection panel, named on the site as three Cryptic staff, gives feedback only to shortlisted artists. Advice sessions run on 21 October and 3 November 2026, ahead of the noon deadline on 19 November 2026.