A flagship programme designed to ignite enduring sparks of creativity among artists throughout Wales.
This bespoke programme provides customised development for Welsh and Wales-based theatre-makers. In the fast-paced theatre sector, especially for freelancers, the pressure to constantly deliver is unrelenting, leaving little time to reflect, develop, or deepen practice. The demands of survival often drain creative energy as individuals chase jobs, build careers, and complete work.
Sparks is a purposeful intervention based on what hundreds of freelancers have told us they need – an opportunity to take a step back from production and concentrate on exploration and growth. It is a small start enabling us to take time to shape each iteration of the scheme around the individual artist, providing a bespoke and nurturing environment that encourages imagination, artistic rigour, and sustainability.
The programme focuses on personal development and fostering a sustainable Welsh theatre community. Participants will also be supported to go on and mentor other emerging talent – promoting collaboration, peer reflection, and intergenerational learning.
With thanks to Arts Council Wales for their funding and support.
Meet the cohort
Catherine Alexander
Sparks Open
David Bolitho
Sparks Mini
Tia-zakura Camilleri
Sparks Open
Leo Drayton
Sparks Partnership – Frân Wen
Nia Ghandi
Sparks Partnership – JHOOM
Felicity Goodman
Sparks Open
Teleri Hughes
Sparks Mini
Jeremy Linnell
Sparks Open
Anthony Matsena
Sparks Partnership – Welsh National Opera
Katy Morison
Sparks Open
Jodi Ann Nicolson
Sparks Partnership – Loyalty Arts
Clare Potter
Sparks Partnership – RCTCBC
Lois Prys
Sparks Partnership – Theatr Cymru
Lucy Rivers
Sparks Open
Gwen Thomson
Sparks Mini
With thanks to our partners for their continued involvement.
