We are such stuff as dreams are made on – call for artists

We are inviting project proposals for our Dream Lab – three short (25 mins) experimental performance slots in our 2026 festival. These slots are designed to act as miniature pilot concerts for new project ideas to try out on our willing and engaged BREMF audience.

Dream Lab 2026

We’re aware of how much time, energy and funding it takes to develop new ideas  to a point where they are marketable. Dream Lab will kickstart three innovative projects that need support to get off the ground.

We are particularly keen to hear from established or mid-career UK-based musicians specialising in early music.

We encourage artists to submit proposals as soon as possible, as the earlier we can begin conversations about projects, the better. A final deadline for expressions of interest is 1 July 2026.

How to apply

You propose:

  • a new collaborative project, perhaps where you are working with a practitioner in an artform that you’ve not worked with before
  • A project idea that involves using the space in a specific way 
  • A creative idea that expands your normal performance practice which needs an outing with a live audience
  • A project that interacts with the audience, and which you need a live audience to develop further
  • A project that conveys narrative/information in a way that is new to you

We provide:

  • A creative, safe space, with no expectations or judgements 
  • A supportive, engaged public audience to deliver constructive feedback immediately after the performance in a hosted Q & A session
  • Production support and advice on how to further develop the project 
  • A fee of up to £750 inclusive of travel for each project
  • A videographer who will document the event and share some footage with each artist

You commit to:

  • Being available to rehearse and perform in Brighton during the daytime on Sunday 4 October 2026
  • Supporting other artists performing in the Dream Lab by listening to their projects and offering open-minded feedback through the Q & A session

We would like to work with you in order to make your dream project move forwards.

Complete this simple form with an expression of interest and we will follow up with a conversation about how Dream Lab could help. We will choose three contrasting projects which we think we can support meaningfully via this initiative.

The final deadline for expressions of interest is 1 July 2026.

Apply now >