Performing Arts Forum Newsletter
Performing Arts Forum and First Music Contact have just released their second joint Pay and Conditions survey in the performing arts and music sectors in Ireland.
Based on the findings, both organisations now call on the Government to:
· Increase funding to the Arts Council and Culture Ireland to continue to support the domestic development and international growth of Irish creative careers.
· Make a plan to significantly broaden Basic Income for Artists to increase the number of people in receipt of the support. Create a roadmap to make BIA permanent and for ALL who qualify by 2035.
· Increase funding to strategic infrastructure organisations in the sector to continue to build a roadmap for all careers in the performing arts sector.
At the end of 2025, Performing Arts Forum and First Music Contact jointly surveyed artists, arts workers, festivals, production companies and arts centres, and venues across Ireland to build an evidence base on pay and conditions in the sector.
The results are available here
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Performing Arts Forum has published a new policy briefing exploring the potential for an Irish Performing Arts Tax Credit (IPATC), a targeted fiscal incentive designed to strengthen Ireland’s performing arts sector and support long-term growth.
This proposal is inspired by the success of the UK’s Theatre Tax Relief scheme and Ireland’s own Section 481 film tax credit. Rather than replacing public investment, a Performing Arts Tax Credit would complement existing funding by encouraging greater production activity, attracting private investment, supporting employment and helping Irish work reach wider audiences.
At a time when artists and organisations are facing rising production costs and increasing international competition, the absence of such a mechanism places the sector at a disadvantage. A well-designed tax credit could help retain creative talent, encourage new productions, strengthen regional touring and support sustainable careers across theatre, dance, opera, circus and live performance.
We invite policymakers, artists, producers, venues, funders and all those with an interest in the future of the performing arts to read our briefing and join the conversation.
Download the full briefing to learn more about the proposal and the evidence behind it.
Next Stage is back for its 19th year & APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN 
Presented by Performing Arts Forum in partnership with Dublin Theatre Festival, Next Stage is the artist development strand of Dublin Theatre Festival.
Over the 18 days of the festival, aided by the facilitator and the group, participants are immersed in the programme and meet festival artists in a packed schedule of talks, interviews, group time and workshops. The Next Stage is an intense practice-based immersion for artists at all career levels at a moment of change in their work, who seek exposure to world-class theatre and an opportunity to meet and engage with the artists who have made it amongst a group of their peers.
We are delighted that John King will be this year’s facilitator!
The deadline for applications is 10 August at 5pm sharp.
The 2026 Next Stage programme will start on Thursday 24 September and run until Sunday 11 October. Please bear in mind that applicants should ideally be fully available during this time frame.
We have just announced another PAF Connects with Dublin Fringe Festival on 17 September to see “SAOIRSE”!
For €22.00, you’ll receive a ticket to the show along with food and drink at our pre-show networking event.
Tá Saoirse, Róisín agus Aoife ag dul i ngleic le ceisteanna móra an tsaoil: Cé mise? Cad atá i ndán dom? Cad go díreach atá i gceist leis an Modh Coinníollach?
Leis an gcoláiste i mbaol, tá muintir an phobail ag streachailt lena gceisteanna féin – an féidir leo an fód a sheasamh?
Is ceoldráma nua é SAOIRSE a fhágfaidh ceol i do cheann agus lorg ar do chroí.
First summer of freedom. First time in the Gaeltacht. First loves and losses. SAOIRSE is a new Irish language musical by Shauna Carrick.
Performed in Irish with English language access provided via Sibrwd App.
Schedule
19:00 Meet at The Peacock bar for drinks and refreshments
20:00 Show begins (run time 120 mins including interval)
We’ll be back in touch very soon with more updates. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or just want to say hello – we’d love to hear from you!
Very best wishes,
Irma, Eileen, Paul & Mary
Performing Arts Forum team
