Applications for the third year of the SO Festival Outdoor Arts Development Scheme is opening soon, and creatives across Lincolnshire are invited to discover how the programme could help develop their ideas, build confidence and grow their professional practice.
To mark the launch, SO Festival is hosting a free information event where artists, performers, makers, producers and creative practitioners can find out more about the scheme, meet the team behind it and learn about the support available.
Join Us for the Year Three Launch
SO Creates: OADS 2027/28 Launch with Work In Progress by Lauren Williams Firefly & TomCatFlowz
Thursday 14 January 2027
10.30am to 2.30pm
Sutton-on-Sea Colonnade
The event will introduce the Year Three programme and application process, provide an overview of the support available through the scheme, and offer opportunities to meet other creatives from across Lincolnshire. Attendees will also be able to experience a work-in-progress sharing from current Supported Artists and ask questions about the programme.
Supporting Creative Development in Lincolnshire
OADS was created to help creatives living and working in Lincolnshire develop their practice, explore new ideas and access opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. The programme provides tailored support, mentoring, professional development opportunities and access to industry networks.
Over the past two years, Supported Artists have benefited from one-to-one support, workshops, national conferences and visits to festivals in the UK and overseas. Current artists have already shared works-in-progress across Lincolnshire and received bespoke guidance to help strengthen their skills and confidence.
The impact of the programme can be seen in the experiences of previous participants.
One Supported Artist said: “It’s helped me make outdoor art in my way and my angle.“
Another reflected on the importance of having artist development opportunities available locally: “Solid scheme and great to have something like this in Lincolnshire. Means a lot!“
A further participant commented: “Lincolnshire has been crying out for artist development schemes like this for years, and it’s great to have one focused on outdoor arts, connected to an international festival and in the heart of East Lindsey.”
Real Opportunities for Artists
Through the scheme, artists have been able to test new ideas, build professional networks and experience the outdoor arts sector first-hand.
Supported Artist Ryan Gilmartin described how the programme broadened his horizons:
“Outdoor Arts now seems another viable channel of my work I had never thought was possible. My mentor and the performers I met at SO were kind and informative.”
He also highlighted the importance of being given a genuine platform to share work:
“Very few schemes actually let you perform at their venue in a meaningful, proper way (and get paid!).”
Artists have also had opportunities to attend industry events and festivals as part of their development. Following a supported visit to PASSAGE Festival, Jane Crawshaw described the experience as:
“It was incredibly beneficial to be able to go on an international go-and-see trip as part of the Outdoor Arts Development Scheme.”
Jane has since gone on to secure additional funding through Create NEL for her Chalk Streams Project, demonstrating how the scheme can help artists build momentum beyond the programme itself.
Another Supported Artist, Sarah, highlighted the value of attending festivals and seeing the wider sector in action:
“Thank you so much for this amazing go-see experience. The performances were absolutely amazing. It was my second festival I’ve attended outside of SO Festival and it was brilliant to be able to see what goes on in making a festival happen and to see such wonderful shows.”
Could This Be For You?
OADS is open to artists, performers, makers, producers and creative practitioners who are living or working in Lincolnshire and are interested in developing their creative practice.
You do not need to have a fully developed project or extensive experience in outdoor arts to apply. The scheme is designed to support people at different stages of their creative journey, whether they are developing an early idea, exploring a new direction or looking to take the next step in their career.
If you’re curious about what could be possible with the right support, mentoring and opportunities, join us at the launch event and find out more about becoming part of Year Three of the SO Festival Supported Artist Scheme.
Book your free place using the form below.
