Applications

1. Who Can Apply

Grants are open to burlesque performers of all experience levels, from amateur to professional. There is no minimum experience requirement. Applicants must:

• Be based in the United Kingdom at the time of application

• Be applying as an individual performer (not on behalf of a troupe or company)

• Be aged 18 or over

 

2. What the Grant Covers

Grants are available to support attendance at international burlesque festivals and events outside the United Kingdom. Eligible costs include any reasonable expenses associated with attending, including:

• Travel to and from the event (flights, rail, coach, or other transport)

• Accommodation during the event

• Festival registration or entry fees

• Visa or travel document fees where applicable

• Any other reasonable costs directly related to attendance, at the panel’s discretion

 

Grants do not cover costume costs, performance equipment, or expenses unrelated to travel and attendance.

 

3. Stage of Application

Applicants do not need to have a confirmed place at the festival at the time of applying. However, applicants must be able to demonstrate a credible intention to attend, such as having submitted a performance application, been in contact with the festival, or having identified a specific event they intend to attend.

 

If a grant is awarded before confirmation of attendance, the panel may attach a condition that funds are only released upon confirmation of a place.

 

4. Grant Amount

There is no fixed maximum grant amount. Each application is assessed individually based on the actual and reasonable costs of attending the event. Applicants must provide a clear breakdown of anticipated costs with their application. The panel reserves the right to award a partial grant where full funding is not available or where some costs are considered unreasonable.

 

5. Frequency of Applications

There is no fixed limit on how many times a performer may apply in a given year. Each application is considered on its own merits by the panel. Previous grant awards will be taken into account when assessing new applications, and the panel may give preference to first-time applicants where funds are limited.

 

6. Priority Factors

All eligible applications will be assessed on merit. Where applications are of equal merit or where available funds are limited, the panel will give priority to:

• Applicants who demonstrate financial need or low income

• Applicants who have not previously received a grant from Beyond Burlesque CIC

• Applicants who have never previously performed at an international festival or event

• Applicants from underrepresented groups within the burlesque community

 

7. What the Panel Will Consider

In assessing applications the panel will consider:

• The nature and reputation of the festival or event being attended

• The likely benefit to the applicant’s development as a performer

• The reasonableness of the costs being requested

• The applicant’s personal statement explaining why the grant would make a difference

 

8. Exclusions

The following are not eligible for grants:

• Applicants based outside the United Kingdom

• Applications for events that have already taken place

• Applications where the primary purpose of travel is not attendance at a burlesque festival or event

• Applicants who have previously received a grant and have not submitted the required post-event report