Francesca Moody Productions and Shedinburgh have announced the return of the Shedload‑of‑Future Fund for 2026, offering increased financial support for early‑career artists bringing work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Applications open on Wednesday 11 March 2026, with full details available at shedinburgh.com/fund/.
The bursary programme, designed to support performers and companies taking a Fringe show to Edinburgh for the first time, has expanded from three awards in 2025 to five in 2026.
Each bursary provides £5,000 to support costs such as travel, accommodation, set, marketing, publicity and artists’ fees.
The expansion has been made possible thanks to additional funding from Multitude Media, Joe Lycett, Plosive, Nish Kumar and Mick Perrin Worldwide.
The fund aims to address financial barriers which make it increasingly challenging for new talent to present work at the festival.
The Edinburgh Fringe has long been an important platform for emerging performers, launching careers including those of Phoebe Waller‑Bridge, Suzy Eddie Izzard, Trevor Noah, Richard Gadd, Robin Williams and Stephen Fry.
Recent hit productions such as Fleabag, Six, The Play That Goes Wrong, Operation Mincemeat and Baby Reindeer all began at the Fringe.
Francesca Moody said: “Taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe is no mean feat, especially your first. But it couldn’t be more important – careers are launched, new stories are told, life long collaborations begin… this fund is a vital lifeline for artists, and a statement of intent that we are here to champion the new.”
Multitude Media CEO Will Wood said: “The Edinburgh Fringe faces huge challenges in terms of access for all and the sheer costs associated, but it remains unique in the platform it offers new performers and companies.”
Joe Lycett added: “Edinburgh is a huge opportunity to develop and grow as a performer, but increasingly the costs are completely prohibitive. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the training ground of the Fringe.”
Nish Kumar said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is one of the most vital spaces we have for new voices and properly bold work – but the financial barriers to getting there are higher than ever.”
The fund is open to UK‑based artists and companies presenting new live work at the Fringe for the first time.
The most recent recipients, the 2025 winners, achieved significant success with shows including Cara & Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life, House Party and This Blighted Star.
The application process includes four short stages and allows applicants to apply via video or request additional support if needed.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
