CARAVAN, THE biennial showcase of independent performing artists returns to Brighton Festival later tis year.

The three-day showcase presents the best new performances made in England to an audience of international and national commissioners, promoters and programmers, delivered by Farnham Maltings in partnership with Brighton Festival.

caravan is a convivial event designed to encourage artists, commissioners, programmers and potential collaborators to explore new ways of working together, share ambitions and reach new audiences.

Gavin Stride, Director of caravan and Farnham Maltings explained: “caravan aims to strengthen international networks and expand the range of opportunities for performing artists and companies based in England, allowing them to present their work to audiences across the world.”

The 2020 programme features nine live events encompassing music, theatre, dance, cabaret and family-friendly, selected by a curatorial group drawn from some of the country’s leading directors and producers.

Highlights include Nouveau Riche’s Queens of Sheba, the hilarious, moving and uplifting stories of four black women battling everyday misogynoir; News News News by Andy Field and Beckie Darlington, a television news show made by children for adults; Pecho Mama’s bold and genre-defying debut, Medea Electronica blends live gig with theatrical storytelling; Jamal Gerald’s Idol is a daring and unapologetic examination of religion, pop culture and black representation and Bert & Nasi’s new work, The End, offers a poignant, sad and funny account of two parallel endings – their relationship and the Earth.

The caravan marketplace takes place alongside the showcase and will be held on May 12 between 10am and 12pm. Artists and companies can apply to host a stand and pitch ideas with national and international delegates.  

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive, Brighton Festival added: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming caravan back as part of this year’s Festival.  The showcase has grown substantially since it was launched in 2008, and now encompasses a selection of the most dynamic and innovative creatives from across England. 

“It has become a leading platform for international promoters and programmers to experience a diverse range of new work by talented artists who are prime candidates at this stage in their careers to tour internationally.”

The full programme and tickets available from: brightonfestival.org