Cryptic is looking for artists who cross creative boundaries to join our Cryptic Nights 2025 programme.

The next deadline for applications for Cryptic Nights is: 12 noon BST Mon 07 Oct 2024 

Image: Demelza Kingston, Cryptic Nights: Divine Disruptions by Georgina Penstkart

We are inviting Scottish based artists from all backgrounds to develop an existing work for a performance, installation or screen-based work as part of our Cryptic Nights 2025 programme. Presented in partnership with the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow, we support emerging artists who cross creative boundaries, with live music, visual and sonic art, film and new media.

ABOUT CRYPTIC NIGHTS

Cryptic Nights has presented the work of more than 330 artists since 2009. Many Cryptic Nights’ artists have gone on to have highly successful careers, most notably Lu Sisi, Anna Meredith, Rachel Maclean and Yann Seznec.

All applications are considered by the selection panel, which will include Cathie Boyd (Artistic Director – Cryptic), Claire Moran (Producer – Cryptic) and independent panellist, artist, musician and producer, Su Shaw (SHHE).

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • A minimum fee of £750;
  • Marketing and PR support;
  • A three day development residency with technical support at CCA in the lead up to the installation or performance;
  • Travel and accommodation for artists based out with the Central Belt;
  • Dedicated photographer to document your work;
  • Follow on pack provided with audience feedback and media documentation;
  • Free entry to other Cryptic Nights events throughout the year.

WHO CAN APPLY:

  • Emerging artists from all backgrounds who are based in Scotland; Cryptic understands that an artist’s creative career can emerge at any stage in life;
  • Artists whose work contains original music or sound-based elements. We are particularly interested in submissions that use technology in new and creative ways;
  • Artists not in full time education; you do not need to have attended college or university to apply;
  • Artists with an existing project that they would like to develop to present as a performance, screening or sound installation. Please note we are not looking for work in traditional theatre, literature, music, comedy, circus or dance. We do not support commissions or new work.

HOW TO APPLY:

  • To apply please complete this simple form, which can be submitted in written, audio or video format via this link
  • As part of your application, please complete the Inclusion Form via this link – we are aiming to become more inclusive as an organisation and this information is vital to enable us to understand how we might improve our programme.The anonymised information contained in the form is not shared with the shortlisting panel or forms part of the selection process

 

  • INFORMATION SESSION:

We are running an online information session on:

  • Monday 09 September 11:00 – 11:45 – zoom 

In this informal session you can find out more about the open call, the Cryptic Nights programme and there will be time for questions. To book a place, please contact crypticprojects@gmail.com 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  • We will review your application;
  • If your application is shortlisted, we will contact you to discuss the opportunity further.
  • Unfortunately, due to the small size of our team, we are only able to offer feedback to shortlisted applicants. 

Deadline: Mon 07 Oct, noon.

You will be contacted w/c 11 Nov about the outcome of your application

For shortlisted candidates, meetings will take place: w/c 18 November 2024 

Final Decision: w/c 16 Dec 

Please note that we cannot accept late applications.

If you require additional support in completing the application, please contact Blair Wallace crypticprojects@gmail.com

Cryptic is an equal opportunities and inclusive organisation. We want to inspire more people to discover, engage with and participate in the arts and we recognise that the diversity of our artistic programme, audiences and workforce is key to our success.

We understand there is a need to provide opportunities to emerging artists who are currently underrepresented within our programme. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian or ethnically diverse communities, women, trans and non binary artists, those who identify as D/deaf or disabled, those with caring responsibilities and those who are from a working class or low socio-economic background.  We are members of Keychange and have made a commitment to achieve gender parity across our programmes of work.

We will work with all applicants to ensure their access needs are met during the selection and presentation process and will ensure that access requirements are not a factor in our decision making. If you have any access requirements that you would like us to know about, please include these in your application.

There is an access budget to support the needs of D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent applicants or those with caring responsibilities. We will work with you to understand your specific needs and will be supportive in discussing these with you at any stage of the application and selection process.

We are a Disability Confident Employer