Expressions of Interest FAQs

Have artists (both UK and international) who have been part of LIFT in recent years and further back been consulted as part of the review on long-term sustainability? If so, can their collective perspectives on LIFT’s distinctive role within the wider ecology and London/UK scene be shared?

Deep reflection with artists has always been a fundamental part of LIFT’s two-year cycle of work and informed our review post-2024 festival. This EOI process is the first step in the transformation of the delivery model for LIFT and further artist consultation and reflection will form part of this process later this year. We also hope to share some our learnings and findings from this process with the wider sector by the end of the year.

Is there a full archive list of each festival since it started in 1981 and the artists/companies/work presented in each year? 

You can explore LIFT’s past programme spanning back to 1981 on our website archive here.

How much time is the process expected to take for long-listed/short-listed contributors/partners?

We appreciate that any proposal process takes time, and so we have endeavoured to keep the EOI length as brief as possible (2-sides of A4). Long-listed contributors will not be expected to prepare anything in advance of the 50-minute conversation with the panel, as this will be a two-way exploratory conversation on the basis of their EOIs. 

The process for shortlisted contributors is likely to involve a number of meetings over the summer, and ideally these will be in person, accounting for summer holidays and existing commitments.

Is there honoraria for contributors and expenses to attend meetings?

We will cover the cost of artists’ or freelancers’ time if short-listed. The extent of this payment will be calculated and agreed prior to the shortlist process. Travel expenses and any access costs for individuals to attend meetings in person will be offered according to LIFT’s travel reimbursement terms. There is no fee nor expenses available for submitting an EOI. 

Why now? What has the review undertaken by LIFT concluded?

The review has given the Board and team at LIFT the opportunity to consider the long-term sustainability of its plans. It concludes that LIFT needs to adapt its artistic and business model to face the new economic landscape. We have set ourselves the challenge to ask how LIFT can achieve ambition and scale, and continue to platform and produce remarkable international work, through an alternative model. 

Are you looking for programming ideas?

LIFT is looking for both a compelling artistic vision that builds on our 45-year legacy and a new business model to underpin this. We’re looking for fresh ideas for an ambitious programme and innovative ways of financing and producing these.

I’m going to be on holiday in August, will the second-stage conversations take account of holidays?

We appreciate the second stage of conversations falls during the summer holidays and will make every accommodation to ensure that those shortlisted can take part in further conversations. We expect these might take place over several weeks, and so we expect to be flexible to allow for stakeholder consultation as well as discussions and face-to-face conversations.

Are you considering proposals from artists?
We recognise the bold and fresh perspectives that artists could offer LIFT. We’re looking specifically for artistic leaders and/or partners with whom to shape LIFT’s model of delivery and therefore you might want to consider whether your experience matches the criteria set out in the brief, namely, “a track record in commissioning and producing international theatre and/or performance work, international networks, evidence of astute business management”. A collective approach which combined artistic direction with business acumen would also be welcome.

I am a freelance producer, can I submit an expression of interest?
We welcome EOIs from individuals and duos, including freelancers or those currently working within organisations looking to make a change. You should be able to demonstrate the suitable level of experience and vision for a new model for LIFT as set out in the open call.

Can a consortium apply to partner LIFT?
Yes – we welcome EOI’s from individuals, individual organisations, and consortia with dynamic and sustainable proposals for the future of LIFT.

Are commercial companies eligible?
We’re open to proposals from across the public and private sectors (including hybrid options) that take account of LIFT’s charitable status and our receipt of public funding through Arts Council England.

We are based internationally, can we apply?
Yes, but the proposed model should be UK-based, due to the conditions of our funding, or, if an individual, you would need to become resident in the UK.

I need access support if I was to be selected for the first-round, can you supply?
Yes, please detail your access needs in your EOI and we will address them should you be long-listed.

Can you share LIFT’s current financial statements?
Commercially sensitive information will be available to partners or individual candidates at the short-list stage of the process. LIFT’s financial accounts in the public domain are available at Companies House.

I want to provide more information than two-sides of A4, can I attach other documents?
No. We are limiting this initial submission strictly to two-sides of A4 to enable us to fairly assess all the expressions of interest. Do feel free to include links in this document to a website with further information on you or your organisation.

What will happen after the first two rounds of conversations? When will you make a decision?
Due to the open, exploratory nature of this process, we are going to be led by what kind of process of negotiation or recruitment the preferred options might require. This might involve consultation with key stakeholders or other partners, and may open up additional recruitment processes. We expect to inform all applicants of the outcome of their expression of interest by the end of July, and shortlisted candidates by early August.

What team is currently in place at LIFT?
LIFT currently has an interim Executive team and a producer with communications and financial support provided on a freelance basis.

When will the next festival be?
The biennial festival has been deferred to 2027 to allow the time and focus this process requires.