AGELESS – a festival reimagining age through dance   

Open call  

For this third edition of Ageless (12-13 July 2024 TBC) we are interested in work that connects to our desires, relationships, love, rage, power and all that makes us human. Created to give visibility to older artists, performers and choreographers, AGELESS continues to evolve into something far more universal. We acknowledge ageism in all its forms and we’re passionate about working across themes transcending age and celebrating humanity.   

We are looking for work that is already in development and due to our budget, we are unable to consider proposals for early stage research.   

We are particularly interested in work that addresses one or more of the following strands:  

Intergenerational – exploring relationships that transcend age.   

Participatory – actively engaging our local communities (particularly older adults), via workshops and/or performance with a participatory element. Breaking down hierarchies around who can dance & what it may look like.  

LGBTQIA+ focused – work created by artists who identify as LGBTQIA+, with a particular focus on the perspectives and experiences of older LGBTQIA+ people highlighting untold stories.  

Site-generic or Site-responsive– as part of our desire to reach wider audiences, we are committing to placing at least one work in a public space in Leeds. We have previously programmed work indoors in Leeds Corn Exchange and Kirkgate Market, and outdoors on Briggate (pedestrianised shopping street).  

Challenging the status-quo  – work that highlights the cultural importance, diversity and innovation of artistic work created by, with and for experienced, mature artists and/or communities.     

Your work could be:  

• A talk 
• A film 
• A performance 
• An installation 
• A workshop 

To get an understanding of the festival please view the programmes for Ageless 2022 and Ageless 2019.

To apply for Ageless 2024, please submit the following no later than 23 October (midday): 

A single page summary of your proposal to include: 

• any associated links (websites, footage, photos, trailer etc.) 
• a clear budget proposal which includes artistic fees and any other expenses (e.g. travel, per diems, accommodation if required etc.) 
• your most up to date contact details 

Please send you proposal directly to hannahrobertshaw@yorkshiredance.com 

We will be shortlisting proposals within four curatorial meetings in November 2023 and will contact everyone who has submitted a proposal no later than 1 December 2023. 

If you have any questions before submitting a proposal, please feel free to contact Yorkshire Dance. 

 Learn more about our previous Ageless Festivals here: Ageless 2022

Yorkshire_Dance_Ageless_2022_Brochure
Image: Nobody Whistles anymore by Brina Kampfler, Vita Osojnik and Company of City of Women, Encounters 2023 © Elly Welford