The University of Bristol Theatre Collection is delighted to welcome applications for the second annual £15,000 Forkbeard Fantasy Award. This award is for a collaboration of two or more artists/performers and is intended to give them the time to experiment with their creative skills and explore new methods of expression through collaboration.
Forkbeard Fantasy was an experimental performance group with humour at its heart. From their beginning in the 1970s, they were experimenting with emerging technologies in a humorous way while focusing on the themes of nature and the environment. As a small group of artists with different artistic skills themselves, devising the work together was central to their philosophy.
After fifty years of multi-media performances, films, animations, performance poetry, street theatre, and interactive exhibitions, Forkbeard Fantasy officially closed shop in 2023, donating their archive to the University of Bristol Theatre Collection.
The Forkbeard Fantasy Award is intended to help support and sustain artists’ careers. It is aimed at helping collaborations of artists/performers to research, develop and experiment towards the creation of new work. The availability of Forkbeard’s archive to burrow into and explore is intended to inspire new directions and creativity.
Having undergone decades of experience of applying for funding, some good and some not so good, Forkbeard are keen that the process for applicants is as uncomplicated and fair as possible. Applications are invited from collaborations of two or more UK based applicants with at least 5 years’ experience. Applicants may only apply once.
Are you interested in applying? Find more details here: Forkbeard Fantasy Award 2026 (PDF, 72kB)