The search is on for the next IASH/Traverse Creative Fellow, with applications now officially open for the 2027 residency, a unique opportunity for writers and theatre-makers to develop bold new work at the intersection of research and storytelling, with a £12,000 commission.
This prestigious Fellowship invites a playwright or theatre-maker to undertake a flexible, 10-month residency with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. During this time, the selected Fellow will be supported to explore ambitious ideas and develop a new performance text in collaboration with the Traverse Theatre’s artistic team, gaining access to both the university’s vibrant academic community and the Traverse’s creative resources. The Fellowship provides a unique space for writers to interrogate urgent social, political or cultural themes through the lens of contemporary theatre, offering dedicated time, dramaturgical support, and opportunities for collaboration and public engagement.
This year’s call follows a well-attended reading at the Traverse during the Fringe, where the current Fellow, Jack MacGregor, shared a work-in-progress of Foil, developed during their residency.
To support prospective applicants, a free information webinar will take place on Friday 18 September from 13:00-14:00 UK time via Teams, offering insights into the Fellowship structure, application guidance and reflections from past recipients. Register for the Teams webinar here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/963ef6ac-cebd-450a-8934-3415e123ca3a@2e9f06b0-1669-4589-8789-10a06934dc61 Please register even if you cannot attend as the recording will be shared afterwards with all who sign up.
Full details on eligibility and how to apply for 2027 can be found here: https://www.iash.ed.ac.uk/iashtraverse-creative-fellowship The closing date is 2 October at 17:00 UK time.
We’re extremely proud to continue this powerful partnership with the Traverse Theatre, supporting artists pushing the boundaries of form, content and conversation.