Emerging Creatives Fund Guidelines
Thanks to the generosity of Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ donors, and as part of our celebrations marking 50 years of drama and performing arts teaching at Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ, the Emerging Creatives Fund has been established to support student opportunities and experiences in extracurricular drama and performance activities.
This year (2025/2026), the Fund will support the full early-bird registration fee for shows that current Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ students (individuals and groups) are taking to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. The Fund will support up to 4 shows in Fringe 2026.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival early-bird discount deadline for Fringe 2026 is TBC. With this in mind, the timeline for the 2025/2026 Emerging Creatives Fund is:
- Applications open - October 2025
- Deadline for applications - Monday 2 February 2026, 12pm (noon)
- Applications reviewed and decisions made - Monday 2 February 2026 – Friday 7 February 2026
- Students informed of application outcomes - Monday 9 February 2026 (at the latest)
FAQ's
How much funding can I receive?
The Fund will support the full early-bird discount registration fee for your show, inclusive of VAT.
The maximum funding for Fringe 2026 will be £TBC (the early-bird rate for a full run (6 or more shows)).
The fee will vary depending on the number of performances. Full details can be found on the
I am a member of a group that is made up of Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ students and non-Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ students – can we still apply?
Yes. The Fund focuses on supporting Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ students, but we are happy to support other non-Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ students you collaborate creatively with. However, our preference will be given to groups where there is a higher ratio of Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ students.
The lead applicant must be a current Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ student.
What are the deadlines?
- Applications open - October 2025
- Deadline for applications - Monday 2 February 2026, 12pm (noon)
- Applications reviewed and decisions made - Monday 2 February 2026 – Friday 7 February 2026
- Students informed of application outcomes - Monday 9 February 2026 (at the latest)
I am not sure if I plan to take a show yet, can I still apply?
Unfortunately, no. The Fund is focused on supporting those who are ready to register through the early- bird discount route.
How do I apply?
Complete and submit the application form, which can be found
Is this only open to students studying a drama or performing arts course?
No. This Fund is open to all current Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ students, studying any course.
Our group is a Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ Society; can we apply?
Yes.
I am due to graduate in summer 2026; can I still apply?
Yes.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Contact the Development & Alumni Team at development@qmu.ac.uk with any questions you may have.
How advanced do my plans need to be for my show (do I need to have a venue booked etc.)?
To apply, you need to be able to register your show by the early-bird deadline TBC. All information on what is required can be found on the
