The Octagon Theatre

We love the diversity of creative and cultural experiences that people living in Somerset can engage with, and we’re proud that Somerset has such a broad range of conventional and unconventional spaces to share, present & exhibit work.

We want to support all forms of creative practice whether that’s art & craft, circus, dance, film, music, opera, photography, poetry, puppetry, sculpture, song, storytelling, theatre, or another art form.

Whether you’ve just started out or been around the block more times than you care to admit, we’re here to support you.

Early Careers Club

A space for individuals at the start of their professional journey to come together, network, learn, share experiences and grow. You might have just graduated from a full-time degree or vocational training, perhaps you’ve found another pathway into the industry, or maybe you’ve already started to establish a career in the arts but feel you need additional support. Early Career Club members will get support with CV writing, fundraising, what it means to be freelance, self-assessment tax returns, event management, marketing and navigating the arts industry. Members will be encouraged to create a plan for their own future professional development with our team, and at each meeting members will co-create, design and programme workshops and events as a group to help you develop your practice and next steps into the industry.

Creative Commissions 

Our Creative Commission programme offers commissions for independent creatives and companies at any stage of their careers to develop original work that can reach people living in Somerset.

We offer small commissions for professional creatives and companies working in any artform to develop innovative ideas that reach and engage Somerset’s residents. With commissions of up to £500 available. This is an annual programme of support with applications for our Creative Commissions programme opening in the autumn

Each year we award six (or more) commissions with each commission also able to receive,

• Creative development space at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil, where needed, subject to availability.
• Help finding a platform for sharing the project with the public.
• Bespoke project support. This may include project development, project management, creative, marketing, fundraising, technical, programming consultation etc., according to the needs of the work.

Applications for our 2024-25 commissions will open on 21 October, closing at 5pm on 25 November 2024. For more information and how to apply: Creative Commissions 2024-25

To apply you will need to complete our online application form: Creative Commissions Application Form.

A Place to Work

We are inviting expressions of interest from local artists and practitioners who make professional non-commercial work, to use of our spaces free of charge, subject to availability.

You can find information about this offer, including eligibility, here. For further information including how to request space, email anthony.kosky@somerset.gov.uk

1:1 Artist Support

Dedicated time with our Arts Engagement & Outreach Officer, Anthony Kosky, to talk through your professional, project or company development plans.  Perhaps you need a critical friend on a funding application, some advice on who to speak to about moving your ideas forward or simply a chat about your hopes, dreams & ambitions. Anthony is an experienced producer, theatre maker, musician, performer and participatory facilitator. He can’t promise to have all the answers, but he will help you try to find them. 

Performing Artist Support in Somerset 

We have teamed up with several organisations and companies offering Artist Support in Somerset, to give artists a better understanding of and to highlight the resources and opportunities on offer across Somerset.

Together with our colleagues in Somerset who also offer artist support, we’ve produced a downloadable document that signposts the range of resources and opportunities that are available.