homotopia

QueerCore: Fuel your creative future

Are you a queer artist at the beginning of your creative journey? Whether you’re a writer, performer, filmmaker, designer, musician, or someone working across disciplines, QueerCore is here to help you connect, create and grow.

QueerCore is also about creating a community, meeting members of QueerCore old and new, and the vast variety of artists, producers, and venues we work with in Liverpool and beyond.  QueerCore alumni have received Arts Council England funding, directed a play on the Everyman main stage, worked with the BBC, won commercial commissions, and even starred in a major Netflix show. While on the programme, many received additional press coverage and an increase in their social media followers.

QueerCore is more than a programme, it’s a springboard for your ideas. Fancy joining our growing network of bold, queer artists making an impact? Applications are open for 2026 – apply now!

Applications are now open for Homotopia’s 2026 QueerCore programme!  

Whether you’re a writer, performer, filmmaker, designer, musician or someone working across disciplines, QueerCore is here to help you connect, create and grow. QueerCore is Homotopia’s creative development programme for early-career artists and producers based in the Liverpool City Region, supporting artists since 2020. 

Following their time with us, QueerCore alumni have gone on to work with the BBC; direct a play on the Everyman main stage, receive Arts Council England funding; win commercial commissions, and even star in a major Netflix show. Whilst part of the programme, many QueerCore alumni also received additional press coverage and an increase in their social media followers. We’re sure you’ll agree that the potential impact QueerCore can have on your career is really exciting! 

Our 2026 programme will run from April – December and offers tailored support for LGBTQIA+ creatives in the region to grow, build connections, and develop new ideas. We will work with you to build a QueerCore programme that aims to meet your needs, and supports your developing project or idea. QueerCore is also about  building community: you’ll meet members of QueerCore  past and present, get to know the Homotopia team, and some of the artists, producers, and venues we work with in Liverpool and beyond.  

Four artists/producers will be selected as our 2026 cohort and will receive: 

· A £2000 grant to spend on developing a new project, idea or strand of work 
· Mentorship sessions with an experienced artist relevant to your interests  
· Access to creative workshops that aim to inspire and support your development 
· Opportunities to connect with other local artists, creatives and producers 
· A learning and development retreat with your mentor and our team 
· A chance to present your work as part of Homotopia’s year-round programme 

QueerCore is more than a programme: it’s a springboard for your creative future. Fancy joining our growing network of bold, queer artists making an impact? Applications are open now. 

To be eligible you must: 

· Identify as LGBTQIA+ 
· Be based in Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Wirral) 
· Be at an early stage in your career 

This opportunity is NOT just for under 25s; all early-career artists are welcome, whatever your background. 

How to apply: 

Fill in our Application and Equality and Diversity forms available below. Audio or video submissions are also accepted; we ask that they are under 8 minutes in length. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted on w/c 23rd February, and invited to a short interview (either online or in person). If you wish to apply by video or audio, please send a Dropbox folder link (or similar) to [email protected]. 

Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/0ryBwNuNge

Equality and Diversity form: https://forms.office.com/e/kxvYaRk6uT

Application due: Monday 16th February 2026 by 5pm. 

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