Oxford Playhouse today announce the launch of a brand-new pilot programme, Circuit Breaker. This initiative aims to support the artistic development of a performing arts company led by individuals from the Global Majority based in Oxfordshire.

The programme is a partnership between The North Wall, Oxford Playhouse and Pegasus Theatre as part of their commitment to, and with support from, the Oxford Cultural Anti-Racism Alliance (OCARA).

This collaboration between the three organisations is part of their continued work to interrogate and challenge bias, as well as institutional discrimination within the Oxfordshire cultural sector.

Circuit Breaker is an opportunity for an Oxford/shire-based Global Majority-led performing arts company with an existing track record to develop a project with support from three Oxford venues over 18 to 24 months.

Head of Participation & Artist Development at Oxford Playhouse, Paul Simpson said:

"Launching Circuit Breaker will bring an Oxfordshire-based company into close association with our three venues, working together to empower, platform and learn from a regionally-based Global Majority-led company. This scheme is the beginning of the necessary radical change, but will serve to be an example of how our local cultural sector can better represent diversity within the community we live in, where all voices and stories can demonstrate the power and necessity of the arts."

The selected company will receive seed funding over two years, industry support from partner venues, access to networking opportunities, and mentorship from Oxford Playhouse as part of the programme.

Applications are now open until Monday 13 January.