• We’re Hiring an Associate Director

    We are looking for a mid-career individual from communities who are underrepresented in the arts to join OAUK as Associate Director.

    Apply now.

    Image: Frock by Stopgap Dance Company [Photo: Chris Parkes]
  • Welcome to OutdoorArtsUK 

    OutdoorArtsUK is the home for performance in outdoor spaces! We support everything from street acrobats to national parades and celebrate work that exists outside buildings reaching the widest audience possible.

    From circus to carnival, from music to mela, from processions to puppetry and street dance to street theatre – if you want to see or make outdoor performances, you’re in the right place.

    Image: ‘Oystercatchers’ by Red Herring [Photo: Jim Wileman]
  • OAUK is an Arts Council England-funded support organisation that actively works to underpin the talent and achievements of the individuals, companies and organisations working in Outdoor Arts – one of the most accessible of art forms.

    Image: ‘Bonded’ by Alleyne Dance at Norfolk & Norwich Festival [Photo: Lidia Crisafulli]
  • OAUK advocates for Outdoor Arts to cultural bodies, national and local government organisations and various funding arenas. We support the sector by providing practical information on good working practices and offer advice and guidance for new and experienced practitioners.

    Image: Solomon Hunter performing at Derby Caribbean Carnival [Photo: Adaptive Media]
  • OAUK Members are individuals and organisations who actively participate in Outdoor Arts in their professional work. Our membership includes agents, artists, artistic companies, development organisations, festivals, funding bodies, higher education institutions, independent producers, local authorities, production companies, programmers and venues.

    Image: ‘Tape That!’ by Hands Down Circus at Hat Fair [Photo: Adrienne Photography]
  • OAUK is a professional network which facilitates creative and beneficial connections between our members. We keep them up-to-date with funding, commissioning, training and networking opportunities. We visit numerous festivals to hold a comprehensive knowledge of the latest national and international work and to keep an eye out for emerging artists.

    Image: Look Mum, No Hands! by Mimbre Acrobatic Theatre and Daryl-Beeton [Photo: Rachel Hardwick]

Listings: Festivals & Performances

Want to see Outdoor Arts in action? This is your national and international ‘what’s on’ guide to festivals, performances and public events featuring Outdoor Arts.

Listings: Professional Opportunities

Working in the sector? Check out the latest conferences, symposiums, training and networking events for anyone working in Outdoor Arts.

The OutdoorArtsUK Member Directory

Who’s who in Outdoor Arts? The OAUK membership includes performers, producers, festivals, artists, venues, agencies and theatre companies.

Carnival Pyrotechnics Dance Walkabout Dance Circus Street Theatre Mela LightNights Carnival Pyrotechnics Dance Installation Dance Circus Street Theatre Mela LightNights

Festival & Performance HighlightsView all listings

Festival of Community

Oct 19, 2024 – Oct 19, 2024

The Festival of Community in Grantham, on Saturday 19th October, will feature exhibitions, street performers and …

Location: Grantham


Wild Wanders

Oct 24, 2024 – Oct 27, 2024

Thursday–Sunday, 24–27 October 2024. Step into a brand new night-time nature trail at Hollingworth Lake Country …

Location: Rochdale


Shadows of Tintern

Oct 18, 2024 – Oct 19, 2024

Shadows of Tintern offers a magical night in an outstanding setting, an evocative journey through this …

Location: Tintern Abbey


Latest NewsView all news

DOCA Devizes Hat Fair GDIF Green Man Out There Surge Manchester Day SIRF Bedlam Fair Freedom Festival Surge Hat Fair GDIF Green Man Out There Boomtown Fair Manchester Day SIRF Bedlam Fair Freedom Festival

Pro Listing HighlightsView all listings

Lead & Create: Leadership course for independent choreographers

Oct 14, 2024 – Nov 22, 2024

In collaboration with The Place, Equity and One Dance UK, Lead & Create have designed a …

Location: Online

BAFA Conference for Festivals 2024

Nov 18, 2024 – Nov 19, 2024

Please put the dates for this year’s BAFA Conference for Festivals in your diary! We’re looking …

Location: Bristol

Carbon Literacy in Theatre Workshop

Oct 10, 2024 – Oct 31, 2024

Carbon Literacy is an awareness of the carbon costs and impact of everyday activities, and provides …

Location: Online