Lowry Scratch Nights
Since 2016, Scratch Nights (previously called Shoots) have been offering an evening dedicated to the development of brand-new work. A chance for artists to put early ideas in front of a live, supportive audience to see what sticks; it’s about now rather than never, it’s about the spit without the polish. Testing early ideas that may one day turn into fully formed pieces.
These informal nights bring new work to audiences and create a supportive platform for artists to experiment, take risks, test ideas on stage, and share new work with peers and wider public.
Guidelines
- The work must be a new idea or piece in development (not having been shown anywhere else), with basic technical requirements.
- The work must be suitable for the Aldridge Studio space (or Galleries if opportunity is for live performance artists and visual artists).
- Scratch Nights opportunity is for artists at any stage of their career.
- Lowry is committed to encouraging diversity and intersectionality in the arts and we actively encourage applications from artists from under-represented communities, including people who experience racism, identify as working class, have disabilities, are from the LGBTQ+ community, are care experienced or are discriminated against.
Selected artist will recieve:
- A fee of £1000 to develop and present the idea
- Rehearsal space at Lowry where possible
- Producer support from Lowry Staff and online mentoring sessions
- A set of production images and video archive footage taken by a professional photographer and videographer.
- Anonymous feedback from audiences in response to the questions from the artist
- If required, extra financial support will be made available as a contribution towards access costs, caring responsibilities and any costs associated with wellbeing and safe working in relation to the activity undertaken.
Shoots X Horizons New Year February 2022
Co-curated with Horizons Collective in celebration of Lunar New Year 2022
Sonya Smith Photography
SCRATCH NIGHTS X GALLERIES TAKEOVER November 2022
In collaboration with Lowry Galleries
Shawn J Stephen
SCRATCH NIGHTS X CIRCUS April 2023
Co-curated with Turtle Key Arts and Ockham’s Razor.
SCRATCH NIGHTS X MUSICAL THEATRE November 2023
Co-curated with Associate Artists Stan Hodgson and Meghan Doyle
Lydia Hooke
SCRATCH NIGHTS X NEW EARTH ACADEMY+ February 2024
Co-curated with New Earth Theatre and Horizons Collective
Lydia Hooke
SCRATCH NIGHTS X GALLERIES May 2024
In collaboration with Lowry Galleries
SCRATCH NIGHTS X DANCE November 2024
Co-curated with Associate Artists Thick & Tight