Artists and performers from Brighton and Hove could win one of 12 bursaries aimed at encouraging local talent.
There will be three bursaries for the Brighton Festival Fringe in each of four categories – comedy, kids, literature and music.
The bursaries offer each act free registration and an additional profile in the Fringe brochure and are being sponsored by Legal & General, one of the biggest employers in Hove.
The acts are also expected to enjoy extra marketing and publicity as the scheme is promoted along with those who have qualified.
The bursaries are expected to be awarded on a “first come, first served” basis for next year’s Fringe which will run from 1 to 23 May.
Nick Stockman, the Fringe executive manager, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Legal & General are helping to encourage home-grown talent.
“Local artists are hugely important to the Fringe and produce some outstanding work every year, so we want to do all we can to support them.”
Frances Borrer, from Legal & General, said: “Supporting these bursaries is a way in which we can support and encourage local artists to take part in a great local festival.”
The final deadline for acts to register for next year’s Fringe is 9 February. An early bird discount is available to acts registering before 31 December.
