As part of the expansion of the International Young Creative Entrepreneur programme, the British Council is establishing a new award – International Young Performing Arts Entrepreneur (IYPAE) – to champion and celebrate the importance of creative entrepreneurs working in the field of the performing arts. This award is to showcase international business innovation in the performing arts, using the UK as the nexus for cultural, creative and commercial exchange.

The award is running in 10 British Council offices; China, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, India, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

What is our definition of the Performing Arts sector?

IYPAE participants can be drawn from any of the following areas of the performing arts:

• Producers of theatre, dance, music or live art performances
• Promoters, festival directors and marketing specialists in this area
• Managers of theatre, dance, music or live art companies
• Developers of performing arts publishing, communications or websites
• Consultants providing specialist services in any of the areas outlined

*The IYCE awards are unique in rewarding entrepreneurial ability. We recognise that a finalist may be active as an actor or director, however his/her work as an artist should be secondary to their focus as an entrepreneur in the promotion of the performing arts industry in their country. Artistic talent will not be factored into the judging procedure – finalists will be judged solely on the merit of their entrepreneurial abilities in the industry.*

What are the eligibility criteria?

You must:

• Be aged between 25 and 35 years old and be fluent in English.
• Already work in the performing arts sector (as defined above)
• Be entrepreneurial and have shown your ability in the promotion of performing arts in Lebanon, in either a commercial context, public context, or both
• Through your character, drive and abilities demonstrate your potential to be a future leader of the sector in Lebanon

What will the award involve?

From 11-25 August, 2009, the finalists will arrive in the UK for a 12 day tour of the UK national performing arts sector. This programme, which will be created with UK partners, will take them to London, the West Midlands (Strafford-upon-Avon and Birmingham), and Edinburgh to meet leaders of the performing arts sector. The tour will comprise meetings, visits, seminars and shows as well as attendance at events as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

How can you apply?

You will need to submit this application form to general.enquiries@lb.britishcouncil.org before Sunday 14 June.

You can download more information about the award.