We believe that making art requires risk - boldness, bravery and a willingness to fail. Sometimes the most important part of the process is when a piece doesn’t quite work yet. That space of experimentation is where new ideas are born. We also believe that audience impressions are essential to the development of art. It was from these beliefs that Scene + Heard was born.
We are a kickstarter, an incubator and a nurturer of new shows. We run a series of events to support artists and their creative collaborators present their work. Months before presentation in February, we begin producer training, clinics and workshops, design discussions, arts industry networking, green policy and resource sharing discussions, casting and agent introductions, technical and promotional support, dramaturgy, development & mentoring in order to strengthen the wider arts community and make a contribution to the ecology of arts in Ireland.
We support new practice by artists from a wide range of backgrounds. Each year applications come from a richly diverse range of makers. Each September, we welcome submissions across all genres - music, comedy, theatre, dance, poetry, puppetry, children’s theatre, drag, circus, visual art etc provided the work is original and authentic.
Every performance invites a response . Whether through secret ballot, post show chats, Q&A, digital feedback, audiences are encouraged to share what they felt, thought and noticed. These reviews go straight to the artists, offering invaluable insight into audience perceptions and helping them shape what comes next. This means that the audience is not just watching new work - they’re part of it, helping to spark ideas, sharpen stories and shape the future of our cultural landscape.
Since our first festival in 2016, we have welcomed 70,000+ audience members, supported 6,000 artists and presented over 1,000 shows, which have toured nationally and internationally, appeared on TV and Radio, in venues and festivals, winning prestigious awards and capturing the hearts and minds of the public.
Scene + Heard is a curated festival. The team is small but effective. Festival Directors Caoimhe Connolly + Clíona Dukes shortlist pieces for inclusion in the festival. The Directors engage with programming, design, sponsors, partners, the wider industry + provide one-to-one mentorship to all programmed companies. In Jan our Festival Team come together +begin to facilitate scheduling, get-ins, box office, marketing, volunteer management, front of house, feedback and much much more. We also welcome 50+ Allies each year who encourage audience feedback.
Scene + Heard 2026 is presented in association with DMT at Smock Alley Theatre. We are funded in 2026 by The Arts Council of Ireland and Dublin City Council Arts Office. We are kindly sponsored by RTÉ supporting the Arts, Gorilla Design and Select Hire, who create our buzzy beautiful artists' hub.