Dance Makers: UPLIFT 2026 is here!
19 May 2026Got a burning idea you want to explore?
Started work on a show but need more time to develop?
Then our UPLIFT artist in residency programme might be for you! We’re looking to commission three Dance Artists to join Company Chameleon at our home studio for a four-week residency in Autumn 2026.
As part of the residency, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new or unfinished work, with the support of:
- £2000 towards project costs.
- Four week residency of free studio space.
- Support from Company Chameleon’s creative team, including mentoring sessions with the Artistic Directors.
- Opportunity to present / perform 20 minutes of your work at our November Scratch Night – a chance to share your work and receive feedback in a supportive environment.
As an UPLIFT artist, you’ll work closely with Jordan Sheard (she / her), who we are delighted to welcome to Chameleon as our new UPLIFT Producer. Jordan was an UPLIFT artist herself in 2023, so she knows exactly what the experience involves and will be wonderfully placed to support you.
Jordan said, “I feel incredibly grateful to be stepping into this role – it’s very full circle! UPLIFT was such a springboard for me as an artist, so it feels really special to be part of creating that space for other dance makers. I’m excited to bring the same warmth, care and openness that I felt during my own residency, and to hear about all the ideas and projects people want to bring into the studio! If you’re thinking of applying, go for it, it truly is a fantastic opportunity.”
At Chameleon, we are committed to raising the bar for dance in the region. For us, this means championing dance artists with different voices, histories and stories.
UPLIFT is open to dance artists and companies working across all styles and forms of movement, at any stage of their career. We are particularly keen to hear from artists from marginalised communities.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Before applying, we ask you to check that you meet the following criteria.
- Artists/companies must be based in the North West of England.*
- All applicants must be available on the performance date Sat 21 Nov 2026.
- Residency weeks run from September – November 2026, Applicants must indicate in their application which of the residency weeks are most suitable (options listed in the How to Apply section).
*The North West of England includes Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside & Greater Manchester: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan.
If you’re unsure, please email info@companychameleon.com
HOW TO APPLY
We welcome you to apply in written or video format. All video submissions should be no longer than five minutes and written, no more than two sides of A4. If you apply with a video, please send a link and any relevant passwords in your email.
All applications should answer the following eight questions:
Q1) What is your/company name?
Q2) What are your preferred pronouns?
Q3) What are your preferred residency dates out of the options below?
Residency 1: 1 – 25 Sept 2026
Residency 2: 21 Sept – 23 Oct 2026
Residency 3: 26 Oct – 20 Nov 2026
Q4) Where are you based?
Q5) Tell us about your creative practice and who/what inspires you. (Include details of any previous projects & collaborations, previous funding/opportunities received. Inspirations can take any form.)
Q6) Give a us brief outline of your idea, including:
-What you hope your developed work might look/feel like.
-What stage your idea is at (i.e. is your idea at the ideas stage or has development already taken place?)
-Previous funding/ opportunities received.
-Who might work with you in the studio.
Q7) How will this opportunity support your/company development?
Q8) Please provide up to three links to images or videos of previous works. This could be social media posts, rehearsal videos, improvisations or short clips from full scale shows.
Deadline for submissions is midnight on Monday 22 June 2026
Please send all submissions and your contact information to info@companychameleon.com with the subject line (UPLIFT)
All applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of an independent artist, a representative from a partner organisation as well as Company Chameleon’s creative team.
All applicants will hear back no later than Friday 10 July 2026
ACCESSIBLE INFO
Read the easy read info – UPLIFT-Easy-Read.
MORE ABOUT JORDAN
Jordan is a Manchester-based dance maker and producer with experience across community organising, facilitation and performance. She’s worked with companies and arts organisations across the North West and beyond, including Casson & Friends, Afrocats, Wild Rumpus, Coalesce Dance Theatre, Breaking Barriers and Ludus Dance. Jordan also co-produces Manchester Dance Community, an artist development initiative created by freelancers, for freelancers, to train, connect and play across Manchester.
Following her UPLIFT residency in 2023, Jordan received Arts Council funding to continue developing her choreographic work The Joy of Kissing into a full-length production. Rooted in community storytelling, intimacy and access, the project continues to build on the joy and playfulness discovered during her initial UPLIFT research. As a dance artist who did not follow a formal training route, she is passionate about creating accessible opportunities for artists in the region to develop and share skills.
PHOTO CREDITS
Image no.1: Matthew Rawcliffe and Bren, UPLIFT artists 2025, photo: Elly Welford | Image no.2: The Art of Kissing choreographed by Jordan Sheard, performed at UPLIFT 2026, photo: Elly Welford | Image no.3: UMAMI-i! UPLIFT artists 2024, photo: Joel Chester Fildes | Image no.4: Hui-Hsin & Hui Jing UPLIFT artists 2025, photo: Elly Welford | Image no.5: UMAMI-i! UPLIFT artists 2024, photo: Joel Chester Fildes | Image no.6: Company Chameleon, photo: Elly Welford | Image no.6: Jordan Sheard, photo by Jess Blackstock