As our first ever cohort of the Artist Development Programme (ADP) prepares to showcase their work at the upcoming Future Theatre Makers Festival in The Nest, the participating artists are reflecting on a two-year journey marked by creative breakthroughs, collaboration and personal growth. 

Launched last year, the ADP supported five early-career artists and companies through a process of mentorship, networking and hands-on project development. The programme provided a platform for these creatives to evolve their practice and explore bold new work in a supported environment.

For Phoebe Hyder, whose project Moon River has taken shape during the programme, the experience has been both surreal and profound. She recalled the moment her team came together in person after months of remote collaboration as ‘incredibly special,’ describing the energy in the room as ‘electric.’ Recording the River Findhorn in Scotland, a key component of her piece, was described as a ‘truly transformative experience.’

Alice O’Hanlon, creator of Sticky, credited the programme with helping her gain a clearer sense of artistic identity. ‘I now feel like I have a really clear idea of who I am as a creative,’ she said, adding that the support from CFT and the wider network of artists was ‘enlightening and fulfilling.’ 

Ben Grant, whose work The Brown Ranger is deeply personal, reflected on the challenges and rewards of storytelling within a collaborative setting. ‘Each creative contributed their unique perspectives with such sensitivity,’ he noted, praising the honesty and generosity of his collaborators.

For Shani Kantor, whose project Hydrophobia is built around a complex, puzzle-like narrative, the rehearsal process was a standout highlight. They described the creative environment as a space for ‘play, creation, and rehashing,’ where the pieces of the story finally clicked into place after months of development.

Collective theatre company OnTheNose, behind the work MAN!FEST, highlighted the connections forged through the ADP as a major benefit. ‘It’s allowed us to create important artistic connections inside and outside of Chichester,’ they said, emphasising the confidence and freedom the programme gave them to explore their vision. 

As the Future Theatre Makers Festival approaches, the ADP has not only nurtured exciting new work but has also laid a strong foundation for these emerging artists to continue growing in their careers. 

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