Made in Scotland
Made in Scotland is a curated showcase that promotes high-quality music, theatre and dance from Scotland-based artists – find out how you can be part of it.
Please note: applications for Made in Scotland 2027 will open on 14 September 2026.
Made in Scotland is a curated showcase that promotes high-quality music, theatre and dance from Scotland-based artists to international promoters and audiences at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each year. The focus of Made in Scotland is presenting theatre, dance and music performance that has strong international appeal and is ready for international export.
Applications for the Made in Scotland showcase 2027 will open on 14 September 2026, and close on 19 October 2026.
You can read the guidance for the application below.
Please direct any questions or access requests to [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
The Fringe Society collect and administer applications. The final decision is in the hands of an independent selection panel who curate that year’s programme. The panel is made up of independent expert advisors from the UK and abroad (programmers, critics etc).
The focus of Made in Scotland is presenting theatre, dance and music performance. However we recognise that there is a wide range of excellent cross-disciplinary work being created in Scotland and encourage applications from artists making work within one or across a mix of these genres. The showcase is selected with the aim to best represent the rich and diverse work being created by Scotland’s artists.
A company can apply for inclusion in the Made in Scotland showcase with a different show, or the same show if not previously selected. We do not accept applications for work which has previously been presented as part of the showcase.
It is the applicants’ choice whether they apply for the £5,000, £15,000 or £25,000 level of funding. The panel will select a range of work across these levels, and we recommend shows consider their scale and funding needs when selecting the level, and include their reasoning in their application.
For detailed advice on budgeting for a Fringe run please contact [email protected]. However, it is recommended that you assume no more than 30% of your (likely) venue capacity when estimating Fringe ticket sales and remembering that these may be a mix of full and concession price.
No, we understand that you are unlikely to have your Fringe venue confirmed by October. However, the panel will be looking for you to demonstrate a level of understanding of where your work would fit within the Fringe. Venues tend to start programming in November for the following year so it is always good to get discussions underway as early as possible if you would like to secure a programmed slot.
Some music promoters or venues have previously presented work in a session format. This generally features multiple musicians hosting performances across the festival plus one session show featuring all artists. This can work for many genres, and we welcome applications for this style of work. If you are applying as a session, performances from each act involved must take place within the focus week to ensure that it is most likely to be seen by promoters supported by Made in Scotland.
Activity can take place across the whole of the Fringe, but for any shows being presented for a more limited run (fewer than six performances) we expect you to have at least three performances take place during the focus week. Made in Scotland provides an excellent opportunity to promote your work to international promoters and producers, who often attend at different times through the festival, not just within the focus week. Therefore, it is our recommendation that you strongly consider a full run if selected for the showcase, particularly if you’re applying for £15,000 or £25,000.
In line with increased environmental sustainability efforts, working and collaborating internationally no longer just means touring your work. There are alternative ways for sharing Made in Scotland work internationally. You need to have considered what international ambitions you have, such as touring, sharing digitally, licensing or other methods. You do not need to have toured internationally previously or have an international tour already booked. However, if working internationally is not an ambition, then this programme is not for you.
Yes, Made in Scotland encourages Scotland-based artists to work in international collaboration.
As Northern Ireland, England and Wales are part of the UK, they are not considered international markets. The Republic of Ireland is deemed international.
Made in Scotland will not fully fund the creation of new work – it is intended to add to your existing funding to help create the best possible presentation of your show to potential international bookers. It is possible to apply for funding for a show which, at the point of application / decision, is still being developed and has not yet been fully created. In such cases, the panel will be looking for evidence that the project proposal holds merit and that the creative team behind the show could deliver a high-quality piece of work.
Yes, but only if it will provide the panel with an insight into certain aspects of the proposed piece. Based on feedback from previous panels, relevant digital assets are incredibly useful when panel members consider a proposal and are therefore strongly encouraged. However, providing material which does not relate to or offer an understanding of your work will hinder your application. Please note that you will be required to provide high-quality video material of your show by April, as the Made in Scotland team will put together promotional material for the showcase. More information on this will be provided to successful applicants.
Fringe Marketplace was created to connect international programmers, presenters and commissioners with professional artists and tour-ready work at the Fringe without the need to be physically present in Edinburgh. Made in Scotland companies will be expected to prepare material to host on Marketplace. These can include images, trailers, interviews, ‘making of’ footage and rehearsal recordings, reviews, tour packs and more. The creation of these can be included in your funding request.
You should demonstrate that you have considered the practicalities of sharing the work internationally, including plans for alternative models to physical touring. Research into specific international markets for your work is expected. In particular, you should be able to demonstrate the appeal of your show on an international level and demonstrate why your show stands out and would be of interest above a local company doing similar work. It would further benefit your application to identify specific international venues, festivals or programmers who you think would be interested in the work. You may also wish to include the details of any existing international links you have.
Made in Scotland will market the programme as a whole, but not individual work within it. Every company performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is ultimately responsible for their own promotion. It is important to understand how highly competitive it is to attract audience, media and promoter attention. Made in Scotland encourages international promoters to attend the Fringe and to programme high-quality work produced in Scotland in their venue and festival programmes. However, their decision to see your show will also be influenced by how appealing your marketing is. As such, it is recommended that you invest a great deal of planning (and potentially professional support) into your marketing campaign. Read the Fringe Society’s guidance on marketing your Fringe show.