The Artists Forum

The Artists Forum is our free programme of support for all artists offering workshops, meet ups and offers that allow people to connect with each other and engage with Bristol Old Vic’s work. 

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Artists Forum Open Scratch

We offer the opportunity to try out early-stage ideas in front of a supportive audience through our Artists Forum Open Scratch nights in the Weston Studio.   

Each Open Scratch night sees six ten-minute performance slots made available to artists and companies to test new material and receive audience feedback. The line-up is selected via a lottery system, with participants receiving a £50 stipend as a contribution towards costs of taking part.  

Open Scratch nights will be programmed 2-4 times a year. Our next Open Scratch date (along with details on how to enter the line-up lottery) will be advertised via our Artists Forum mailing list as well as on our website and social media channels. 

Forum Artist Open Scratch: Mon 28 April | Registration is now open here – deadline is Wednesday 26 March, 10am.

For more details about the event and line-up, see here for details.

Artists Forum First Previews

£5 tickets will be made available exclusively to members of the Artists Forum for every First Preview of a Bristol Old Vic Production. We’ll also reserve a couple of tables in the bar afterwards to give you space to discuss the play together, or to just say hi over a drink. Due to limited capacity, Artists Forum First Preview tickets will be bookable on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Meet Up/Workshop Programme

A selection of free Artists Forum Workshops, programmed on Saturdays across the year; offering the chance to connect with fellow artists and a variety of organisations and expertise from the wider sector. 

You can see any upcoming workshops via ourWhat's On page.

Previous meet-ups and workshops include: 

• Forum Community Conversation: Creativity and Joy
• Forum Meet Up: Writers and Directors
• Forum Community Conversation: Ages, Visibility and Sustainability
• Artist Forum Christmas Social
• Forum and Dramaturgs Network Meet Up 
• Makers Meet Up hosted by Tom Marshman 
• Directors Meet Up hosted by Emma Callander 
• Writers Meet up hosted by Malaika Kegode and Marietta Kirkbride 
• Forum Introduction to Nancy Medina, Bristol Old Vic's Artistic Director 

Our meet-up and workshop offers will be advertised via our Artists Forum mailing list as well as on our website and social media channels. 

Each meet-up or workshop has a dedicated bursary reserve to help towards travel/childcare/specific support for those who would otherwise be prevented from attending. Parents or carers with childcare responsibilities are welcome to bring their children with them. 

Find our more about our Artist Forum Workshops and book your place here.