BlackFest 2026 OPEN CALL OUT

BlackFest 2026 CALL OUT
BlackFest is an award-winning festival has a seven-year portfolio of delivering a
diverse Black arts festival in celebrating, platforming and providing developmental
opportunities working with black artists and supporting community projects.
ANNOUNCEMENT – This year we are collaborating with BLACKSTAGE PASS,
SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE for our theatre segment for a longer period
of time to give more creatives to develop incredible new works. Lunch time Concert
series at The Tung Auditorium. Visual Arts Exhibition and Launch Granby Winter
Garden, Opening Launch at Granby Market and closing the festival in new
locations.
OUR BIGGEST COLLABORATION THIS YEAR IS WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS
MANCHESTER POETRY PLACE AND AVIVA STUDIOS. OPENING BLACK
HISTORY MONTH 01 ST OCT 2026 WITH POWER, PASSION, POTENCY,
PERTINENENCE, POETRY!
BlackFest theme this year is celebrating 100 years since the establishment of the
BHM movement in America and unearthing hidden gems here in the UK.
If you have a film, art, scripts, plays, story, poetry, and existing
multidisciplinary work or would like to create new works we are accepting
submissions. You can also present work that represents you and your
passions and not limited by the theme.
We have lots in store for our artists and community this year Kings, Queens, the true ones, shapeshifters, healers, hustlers, dreamers, believers. BlackFest have always prioritised and prides itself in championing local and North-West and nationally black creatives, traders and communities which are at the heart of what we do. Throughout the festival being a multidisciplinary platform if you are an artist/group in music, a comedian(s), dancer(s), poet, spoken word artist, film maker, choir, and/or workshop facilitators want to perform + take up space and/or facilitate we want to hear from you.
We are also supporting fashion brands with a Fashion showcase supporting their
collections and opportunities for models are available too.

Please APPLY below are all the gorgeous commissions and be a part of the magic!
BE A PART OF BLACKFEST 2026:
TO APPLY:
PLEASE NOTE: Apply via our simple application form and also fill out an
artist/trader/designer/facilitator/model registration form below under each category
you are interested in. Please Scroll down to see our offer)

We are also accepting proposals in video/audio format and BSL – please send a
film/audio file no longer than 1 minute to festivalapplication@blackfest.co.uk or
send a link to the same address for us to download the file.
If you require the information in BSL or accessible formats, please email
opportunities@blackfest.co.uk
APPLY NOW to be a part of the 2026 cohort details below!

WHAT’s ON OFFER BlackFest 2026:
Love Poetry? Love Writing? Love Spoken Word? Blackout, Dub, Epic, Rap and
Lyrical poetry? Cultural forms: Ghazal, Villanelle, Acrostic? Like a great Haiku,
Sonnet, Ballad or Freeverse poems. Whatever your style we want you!
Beyond excited that we are taking over AVIVA studios, in partnership with Poetry
Place, theme of the power of poetry, celebrating 100 years of BHM movement, we
have several commissions available for our artists celebrating literature, spoken
word, poetry as a diverse form that can be showcased in audacious artforms.
– Poetry Short Films – 4 creative artists can present existing work or create
and venture into imagining their poems into film, new poets trying this medium
will receive resources and support.
– Creative Response – 6 shortlisted spoken word artists, poets, will be
paired to curate a creative response 15 min sets on a BHM influential legends
that have shaped literature Benjamin Zephniya, Jackie Kay, Phylis Wheatley,
Maya Angelou + more!
– Visual Artists – To curate a dynamic piece of art with poetry part of an
exhibition representing a Black Trailblazer and pioneer, can be portraiture,
abstract, fine arts, mixed media, digital and more.
– SLAM Poets – We are looking for slam 10 poets with a prize of £250 to the
winner! A chance to meet judges Casey Bailey and Lemn Sissay and more!
– Be a part of the Poetry Fair! – Calling independent Authors and Literature
Arts organisations take up a stall for audiences to have the chance to
purchase amazing undiscovered poetry pamphlets, poetry collections, Short
Stories, novels, comics, essays, plays / drama and rare books and
compilations. Lets get your work out there.

Our offer:

– Perform or showcase your work at the incredible AVIVA STUDIOS
– Work with professionals in the industry
– Masterclasses for artist development
– Receive One to one artistic support with your pieces
– Connect with larger audience base and reach a wider audience.
– All marketing festival promo graphic design will be covered for artists
– Build a relationship with an established arts organisation.
– Network with likeminded artists and creatives
– Be a part of BlackFest Cohort 2026
– Be a part of BlackFest Creative Collective a receiving discounted tickets within arts
events nationally and wider opportunities!

To APPLY:
 Please fill in an artist registration PLEASE CLICK HERE
 Please fill in Festival Registration Form PLEASE CLICK HERE
 Send all entries/applications to email: festivalapplication@blackfest.co.uk & gabriel@the-poetryplace.com
 Application Deadline: 19th June 2026
 Shortlisting: 22nd June 2026
 Interviews: 24th June 2026
 Performance Date: 1st October 2026

_________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT’s ON OFFER:

BLACKFEST FESTIVAL GRANBY MARKET LAUNCH:

BLACKFEST 2026 FESTIVAL GRANBY MARKET LAUNCH:

Every year we have a launch to give a flavour of what to expect throughout the festival being a multidisciplinary platform. If you want to be a part of the launch and are an artist, musician/group in music, dancer, poet, choir this is for you!

This event will be family friendly where audiences will enjoy an eclectic mix of LIVE music, dance, African Fabric Workshop celebrating Black Culture, get involved suitable for a wide range of ages and many activities that are available on the day.

If you are an artist/group in music, dancer, poet, choir!

Our offer:

– Reach new audiences

– Marketing and graphic design festival promo.

– Grow In Performance

– Expand your portfolio

–Support Black Businesses

– Network with likeminded artists and creatives and black businesses

– Be a part of BlackFest Cohort 2026

– Be a part of BlackFest Creative Collective

receiving discounted tickets within arts events nationally and wider opportunities

To APPLY:

Please fill in an artist registration PLEASE CLICK HERE
Please fill in Festival Registration Form PLEASE CLICK HERE
Send all entries/applications to email: festivalapplication@blackfest.co.uk
Application Deadline: 19th June 2026
Shortlisting: 22nd June 2026
Interviews: 24th June 2026
Performance date: 5th September 2026

Terms and Conditions Disclaimer:

Festival opportunities are paid commissions please note: commissions for festival are varied upon experience and portfolio. Announcements for shortlisted artists will be made in July. You must be available for few dates in JULY 2026 where we will be doing individual and group headshots which will include networking and collaboration with all festival artists involved. You must be available for tech on the day September.

ABOUT Granby Market

Liverpool’s most original and friendly community market, run entirely by volunteers is open on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 3pm, showcasing the talents, spirit and diversity of the community. It has become a much-loved event for local residents as well as the wider L8 region, attracting crowds from across the city.

The stalls range from bric-a-brac, vintage clothes and memorabilia to handmade soaps, arts and crafts. There also food stalls, selling hot international cuisine, and home cooked health foods, from kombucha to kimchi.

BLACKFEST IS A REGULAR SUPPORTER OF THE MARKET AND ORGANISATION COLLABORATING TO BRING ARTISTS TO PEROFORM FROM TIME TO TIME AND HAVE THE PLEASURE OF KEEPING OUR AUDIENCSE AWARE OF OUR WORK THROUGH GRANBY MARKET – BE A PART OF AN INCERDIBLE COMMUNITY AND APPLY TO PERFORM AND/SHARE YOUR SKILLS + MEET THE BEST PEOPLE!

________________________________________________________________________________

Rhythms Night – Music

Our Commissions: Available for 4 Music artists and 1 DJ or a DJ Collective to join our iconic music night. We are seeking a range of genres of talent to add depth and excitement to the night. Open to all genres of music you can submit RnB, Soul, Jazz, HipHop, House, Drill, Grime, Country, Rock, Pop and/OR multi-genre EP.

You will have your own original music and EP(’s) with a vision in mind for your 20-minute slot. We will support you to bring this to life with you! We want ambitious ideas and how you stand out from the crowd.

You have the option to work with our collective of Black young musicians and Black industry professional musicians in Liverpool we can recommend you to, to provide LIVE music and beats for you as a shortlisted artist. You will get the opportunity to create a unique arrangement of your music working collaboratively with Black Musicians in the Liverpool City Region area. Requests need to be made early as possible.

Our offer:

You will receive one to one support with a professional vocalist working with and receiving 2 masterclasses. (Optional) Work with our young musicians and ensemble cohort in August creating your rendition of one of your songs.

Masterclasses will provide the space to grow and enhance your music creating a rendition of one of your tracks and create a collaborative piece with artists in the sector providing an immersive experience for the audience and artists involved.

Adding to your portfolio of musical output and range.
Perform at our Rhythms Night
Take part in a panel discussion with industry professionals.
Connect with larger audience base and reach a wider audience.
All festival marketing graphic design will be covered for artists
Build a relationship with an established arts organisation.
Network with likeminded artists and creatives
Be a part of BlackFest Cohort 2026
Be a part of BlackFest Creative Collective receiving discounted tickets within arts events nationally and wider opportunities

To APPLY:

Please fill in an artist registration PLEASE CLICK HERE
Please fill in Festival Registration Form PLEASE CLICK HERE
Send all entries/applications to email: festivalapplication@blackfest.co.uk
Application Deadline: 19th June 2026
Shortlisting: 22nd June 2026
Interviews: 24th June 2026
Performance date: TBA

Terms and Conditions Disclaimer:

Commissions for this category of the festival are varied upon experience and portfolio. Announcements will be made in July. You must be available for few dates in JULY 2026 where we will be doing individual and group headshots which will include networking and collaboration with all festival artists involved. You must be available for rehearsals and tech August – September.

_________________________________________________________________________________

SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

Very excited to announce we will be working with Shakespeare North Playhouse 2026. We have opportunities for artists over 3 nights.

Who really wrote Shakespeare’s works?

It is widely debated that Shakespeare’s works may have come from or inspired by Emilia Bassano (1569–1645) who was a pioneering English Feminist Black poet and the first woman in England to publish a substantial volume of original poetry, Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum (1611). Born to Venetian court musicians, she was highly educated and is widely considered a leading candidate for the “Dark Lady” in Shakespeare’s sonnets.

You can choose to rewrite and create work inspired by Shakespeare. However we allow for all new works to be tested as part of our commissions, and you are not limited to the themes as creative.

First Night:

Open commissions

Whether you’re refining a play, testing a new script, rewriting Shakespeare or presenting your latest artistic venture, this is your space. We are inviting artists across disciplines—actors, playwrights, performers, and creatives of all kinds—to step into the spotlight and share their work.

We have a number of 4 artists to try out and experiment new writing, for those eager to present their work to an engaged and enthusiastic audience. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned creator looking to try something new, we’d love to hear from you.

SECOND NIGHT:

COMEDY

We are proud to be partnering with Daniel Hippolyte as a creative to host and curate an incredible comedy night!

You can present anything from stand up, sketch, roast, slapstick, improv, skits, scenes rewrite of comedic Shakespearian plays, diverse written comedy for stage and film!

Daniel Hippolyte Carmichael from Skelmersdale, graduated in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Drama. Having worked as a comedian, writer and actor for the last decade. “He’s got

THIRD NIGHT

Wings to Fly, play Written and Directed by Brodie Arthur

BlackFest and Shakespeare North Playhouse in proud to announce and be in collaboration with BlackStagePass collective, present: ‘Wings To Fly,’ play Written and Directed by Brodie Arthur and Collective Reimagining of Shakespeare’s Works.

Opportunities for actors and directors in a short play, ‘Wings To Fly,’ of play Written and Directed by by Brodie Arthur.

Along with 2 opportunities to open they night for creatives to present new work 20 mins any discipline, performances, monologues, duologues and works of Shakespeare turned on its head and a bid to reclaim this legacy by BlackStagePass + BlackFest Creatives!

Wings to Fly is a powerful and moving new stage play inspired by the true story of Lilian Bader; one of the first Black women to serve in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War.

Our offer:

–2 Opportunities freelance multidisciplinary performers create 20 min

–Opportunities for actors, writer, and directors from Blackstagepass

–Support from a professional Dramaturg

– Work with professional director, actor creative in the city

– Perform LIVE your vision and story/ See your work come alive

– Take part in a panel discussion receive feedback from industry professionals and audiences.

– Connect with larger audience base and reach a wider audience.

– Marketing and press releases

– Build a relationship with an established arts organisation.

– Network with likeminded artists and creatives

– Be a part of BlackFest Cohort 2026

– Be a part of BlackFest Creative Collective

To APPLY:

- Please fill in an artist registration PLEASE CLICK HERE
- Please fill in Festival Registration Form PLEASE CLICK HERE
- Send all entries/applications to email: festivalapplication@blackfest.co.uk for comedy night please also email: danielhippolyte@outlook.com
- Application Deadline: 122nd June 2026
- Shortlisting: 22nd June 2026
- Interviews: 24th June 2026
- Performance Date: 24th – 27th September 2026

WINGS TO FLY APPLY NOW! For actors and directors please apply here on: BlackStagePass closing date 23rd June 2026 https://blackstagepass.org/jobs

Terms and Conditions Disclaimer:

Commissions for this category of the festival are varied upon experience and portfolio for 20mins slots. Blackstagepass have professional actors and directors’ roles that need to be applied for via details above. All performers will receive equity rates. Announcements will be made in July. You must be available for few dates in JULY 2026 where we will be doing individual and group headshots which will include networking and collaboration with all festival artists involved. You must be available for rehearsals and tech August – September.

Black Stage Pass:

Black Stage Pass is a global platform creating access, visibility and opportunity for Black creatives across the creative industries. Founded to address the long-standing barriers faced by underrepresented talent, the platform connects artists, freelancers and professionals with industry leaders, paid opportunities, events and career pathways. Alongside its growing online directory, Black Stage Pass also works with organisations to strengthen inclusion through consultancy, training and strategic partnerships. By bridging the gap between talent and industry, Black Stage Pass is helping to build a more equitable, commercially successful and representative creative sector.

Daniel Hippolyte

Daniel Hippolyte is an actor, writer and comedian based in the North West of England. Dans comedy is a combination of storytelling, quick wit and subtle one liners. Dan has been performing since 2011 and also organises, Hosts and compères his own gigs initially under Banter and Beers before establishing Blank Space Theatre and Blank Space Comedy. Dan has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe over five consecutive years and is currently working on a new show focusing on his experiences of loss with his Saint Lucian Family. Dans acting credits have seen him play a variety of roles including Silk in the scouse comedy Not the Horse, Macheath in The Convicts Opera and Duke Orsino in Twelth Night. Dans TV and film credits include the original Sci-fi film J1S as well as roles on Channel Fours Fresh Meat, CBBCs Dengeneers and ITV’s Emmerdale.

Represented by: Icon Actors Management

Commercials: BT Broadband, Grosvenor Casino, Circular & Co, Umbro, Sky Vegas, AO, Angry Birds, Chevrolet, Ecology, Rose Lane Coffee, Hugh Baird College, The Royal Yachting Association.

Shakespeare North Playhouse

Shakespeare North Playhouse aims to bring people together to participate in a unique programme of performance, activities and conversations, inspired by Shakespeare and relevant to all of us.

At its heart is a traditional 470 seat timber framed Shakespearean theatre that will host a mix of vibrant new performances. Theatre, music, comedy, workshops, events and activities will spill out into the exhibition gallery, Studio and Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden, creating an accessible space full of joy and creativity, where everyone is welcome.

Inspired by Prescot’s historic connections to William Shakespeare and a real love of storytelling, Shakespeare North Playhouse will play a key role in the ongoing regeneration of Knowsley; a place full of brilliant people with a story to tell.

Working together with audiences, artists and its local communities, the creative programme, learning opportunities and social spaces will help to open doors, invite debate and inspire a love of learning that will reach far beyond the walls of Shakespeare North Playhouse.

Visual Arts

We are commissioning 4 Visual Artists to exhibit existing work and facilitate a workshop based on their exhibition and practice. The exhibition will be for the whole month of October. We are looking for audacious artists with lived experiences, offer some fun and playfulness in their work.

Our offer:

– Exhibition Space 2026 BlackFest festival

– Free marketing and promotion of your work

– Reach new audience and promote your collection

– Cost of transporting your pieces covered

– Visual Arts Launch Post show discussion

– Paid workshop to share your practice

– Portfolio support and growth

– Build a relationship with an established arts organisation.

– Network with likeminded artists and creatives

– Be a part of BlackFest Cohort 2026

– Be a part of BlackFest Creative Collective

receiving discounted tickets within arts events nationally and wider opportunities.

To APPLY:

Please fill in an artist registration PLEASE CLICK HERE
Please fill in Festival Registration Form PLEASE CLICK HERE
Send all entries/applications to email: festivalapplication@blackfest.co.uk
Application Deadline: 19th June 2026
Shortlisting: 22nd June 2026
Interviews: 24th June 2026
Exhibition Start: 2nd Oct – 31st October 2026 (Work must be sent in a month before the exhibition start and launch)

Terms and Conditions Disclaimer:

_______________________________________________________________________________

BlackFest Fashion Fest Finale

BlackFest Finale evening celebrates the end of the festival, and to look to the future as we honour a night in Black History Month with Black Joy + Excellence, celebration, peace and love.

We are accepting applications from fashion designers, models, poets, musicians, bands, comedians, community choirs, young people’s groups and community productions, you have an act worth the grand stage then you are welcome to participate and apply!

To APPLY:

Please fill in an artist registration PLEASE CLICK HERE
Please fill in Festival Registration Form PLEASE CLICK HERE
Send all entries/applications to email: festivalapplication@blackfest.co.uk
Application Deadline: 19th June 2026
Shortlisting: 22nd June 2026
Interviews: 24th June 2026
Performance: 30th October 2026

Terms and Conditions Disclaimer:

CATERERS

BlackFest have always invested in local Black caterers at the festival events and other well-being events. If you are a caterer, please let yourself be known to us. We will be happy to expand in capacity and commissioning caterers to deliver authentic flavours that speak to our audiences and brings education and knowledge to those experiencing flavours for the first time.

To APPLY:

Please fill in an artist registration PLEASE CLICK HERE
Please fill in Festival Registration Form PLEASE CLICK HERE
Send all entries/applications to email: festivalapplication@blackfest.co.uk
Application Deadline: Friday 19th June 2026
Shortlisting: 22nd June 2026

Terms and Conditions Disclaimer:

Announcements will be made in July. You must be available for few dates in JULY 2026 where we will be doing individual and group headshots which will include networking and collaboration with all festival artists involved.

BlackFest Open Proposals

This year 2026 we want to open our doors to accepting proposals from community members, artists, and businesses that would like to collaborate with us.

BlackFest are committed to effectively working with communities, artists, and audiences.

We are here to support in sharing resources, ideas and supporting you to manifest your aspirations.

Do you have a passion project you’d like to realise? Are you a community group or individual doing amazing things in the city or starting out? Let us enable you to build or add to your portfolio and help you gain valuable industry experience and making your dreams a reality.

We have many case studies of community members, socially trading businesses, artists that we have supported and boosted their vision in working with us and created further momentum and opportunities for growth across Liverpool City Region. In turn they have come under the radar of various arts, community organisations providing more equitable work.

Please put in your enquiry and we will get back to you in ways we can support and collaborate with you/your organisation/group on your vision, enhance and work on a collective shared vision.

To APPLY:

Please fill in an event form PLEASE CLICK HERE
Application Deadline: 19th June 2026
Shortlisting: 22nd June 2026
Interviews: 24th June 2026

Terms and Conditions Disclaimer:

We will look forward to hearing from you and your event idea will be dependent on co – producing ensuring we have shared values and visions align.

BlackFest 2026 OPEN CALL OUT

Make a Donation

Follow us