Age & Opportunity: Invitation to Tender - Literature & Performing Arts - Bealtaine Festival
Open Tender: Performing Arts Programmer and Literature Programmer for Bealtaine Festival 2026-2029
Deadline: 12 noon, Tuesday 3rd June 2025
Please submit your tender to: Jessica Burton Restrick, arts@ageandopportunity.ie
Bealtaine is Ireland’s national festival celebrating the arts and creativity as we age. Taking place each May and led by Age & Opportunity, the festival is built on a unique cooperative model: one strand is curated nationally through Age & Opportunity, while the other is programmed and delivered by local partners across the country. Together, they form an interdependent cultural movement that celebrates older artists and engages communities through high-quality arts experiences.
At the heart of the Bealtaine Festival is a commitment to supporting artists, particularly in later life, and fostering inclusive, accessible arts programming. As part of our planning for Bealtaine 2026–2029, we are now inviting tenders for two key programming roles: Literature Programmer and Performing Arts Programmer.
We welcome proposals from individuals or organisations with a passion for participatory arts and a track record in curating high-quality work. Applicants may apply for one or both tenders.
Literature at Bealtaine
Contract Term: June 2026 – June 2029 (subject to annual renewal and Arts Council funding)
Deadline: 12 noon, Tuesday 3rd June 2025
The Literature Programmer will work closely with the Artistic Director to curate, develop, and promote the literature programme for Bealtaine Festival 2026–2029. The programme should reflect Bealtaine’s values, address gaps in public arts provision, and explore innovative, participatory approaches to literature.
The role may involve selecting existing work, contributing to co-productions, and developing original literary events or projects.
Tender submissions must include:
- A 700-word proposal with literature programming ideas (based on 2–3 events)
- CV
- Current Tax Clearance Detail
- Fee proposal in Euro (€), inclusive of VAT and all expenses (with breakdown)
- Any relevant additional information
Download full Literature Programmer tender guidelines here: 2025 Invitation to Tender for Literature Programming Services
Performing Arts at Bealtaine
Contract Term: June 2026 – June 2029 (subject to annual renewal and Arts Council funding)
Deadline: 12 noon, Tuesday 3rd June 2025
The Performing Arts Programmer will collaborate with the Artistic Director to develop and deliver a dynamic performing arts strand for Bealtaine Festival 2026–2029. The programme should incorporate diverse forms of performance and reflect the participatory, artist-centred ethos of the festival.
This role may involve curating existing works, partnering on co-productions, and devising new events for live and/or digital presentation.
Tender submissions must include:
- A 700-word proposal with performing arts programming ideas (based on 2–3 events)
- CV
- Current Tax Clearance Detail
- Fee proposal in Euro (€), inclusive of VAT and all expenses (with breakdown)
- Any relevant additional information