BUZZCUT Festival 2026: CALL OUT TO PERFORM

BUZZCUT Festival is returning on 15 – 19th April 2026 bringing Live Art and experimental performance to venues across Glasgow!

We’re on the lookout for artists with bold ideas who are eager to present new performance experiments in the ninth edition of the festival.

Deadline for applications: 4th of July 2026 at 23:59 (pm)

“//BUZZCUT// IS AN OASIS: A SAFE HOUSE WHERE RISK CAN TAKE TO THE STAGE… WITH THE MAKING OF ART THE MOST INTENSE AND IMMEDIATE WAY TO ASSERT YOUR HUMANITY.”

Mary Brennan, The Herald

What we are looking for

We’re looking for artists of all levels of experience working in Live Art and contemporary performance, who want a lively, welcoming space to experiment & share their work. We see the festival as a resource for artists & a space to come together - not just to present work, but to connect, exchange, witness what others are creating & strengthen artistic communities.

In the past, artists have used the festival as a chance to:

• Present one off, unrepeatable actions

• Host intimate, one-to-one performances

• Explore  a new collaboration 

• Adapt an existing work into a new form

• Present a small-scale finished work

We accept applications from artists based in Scotland, the UK or internationally (please note international travel budget is limited).

We will not accept submissions from those currently undertaking an undergraduate or Masters degree focused around their artistic practise.

To get a clearer sense of the kind of work BUZZCUT supports, please read the BUZZCUT Festival Call Out below, and have a look at our previous festivals from 2023 and 2017, as well as our Double Thrills programmes. If you're still unsure whether your work fits, you're very welcome to get in touch with us before the application deadline: buzzcutconnect@gmail.com

What we can offer

• Performance fee (£685 for a Solo / £1060 for a Duo or Group)

• Travel, Accommodation & Per Diems for artists outside of Glasgow (international travel limited)

• Free Invitation to see works in the festival

• Online gatherings with all the artists in the programme to bounce your ideas around (Optional)

• Technical Support (Limited; see venues/tech page)

• In-person peer networking with fellow UK-based artists & professionals during the festival

• Dramaturgical guidance from Al Seed available where appropriate and useful

• Photographic Documentation

• Meet Industry Professionals Wide exposure to a broad network of national and international curators, programmers and producers.

• Access support to make your project accessible to a wide range of audiences + provision to support your own access needs

How to apply (Written Applications)

We accept applications in written form or by audio / video. In both forms there is an opportunity to share images/video documentation of your work.

To apply in written form:

1. Read the 2026 Festival guidance notes.

2. Read the Venues & Tech page to get a better sense of the scale of performance projects we can support.

3. Fill out the Application form (Google Docs)

How to Apply (Video / Audio applications)

To apply in Video/Audio format:

1. Read the 2026 Festival guidance notes.

2. Read the Venues & Tech page to get a better sense of the scale of performance projects we can support.

3. Click here to see the Video / Audio application form. It will tell you the questions you need to answer.

4. Upload your video or audio submission to YouTube, Google Drive, Soundcloud or Vimeo & include the link in the Google Form above.

Deadline for applications: 4th of July 2025 at 23:59 (pm)

If you have any questions please email buzzcutconnect@gmail.com.

The 2026 Festival is made possible with the funding and support of Creative Scotland, Strange Field, London Performance Studios, Tramway, Take Me Somewhere, Centre for Contemporary Arts, Fierce Festival, Live Art Development Agency & Federation Scottish Theatre.