Shoreditch Town Hall has announced the launch of its new Associate Company programme for 2026–2027, reinforcing its commitment to long-term artist development and championing LGBTQ+ and women-led work.
The inaugural Associate Companies are critically acclaimed theatre maker Josie Dale-Jones, founder of ThisEgg, and award-winning choreographer and director Jonathan Watkins, founder of Ballet Queer, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ ballet company. Both artists are celebrated for creating bold, contemporary work rooted in lived experience and identity.
Ellie Browning, Head of Cultural Programme at Shoreditch Town Hall, said: “We are thrilled to launch our Associate Company programme, formalising our commitment to supporting ambitious new work by mid-career and established artists. As a receiving house it’s vital that we actively invest in the development of work that will populate our spaces, and this programme marks a significant milestone as our first direct cash support since before the pandemic. We’re especially excited to deepen our relationships with Ballet Queer and ThisEgg. Jonathan and Josie are innovative artists whose artistic vision, sector insights and collaborative ways of working bring immense value, inviting new artists and audiences into our building.”
Across the one-year period, the Associate Companies will receive £3,000 in commission funding towards new work, residency and rehearsal space with technical support, marketing and producing assistance, and guaranteed presentation slots at Shoreditch Town Hall. They will also lead workshops, contribute to talks and collaborate with local communities.
Josie Dale-Jones said: “Venues and artists working together is more necessary than ever. Shoreditch Town Hall have supported the development of ThisEgg’s work for the last 10 years. Becoming an Associate Company for the next year is a super exciting way to solidify an ongoing relationship and trust in one another.”
Jonathan Watkins added: “Shoreditch Town Hall has played a vital role in the development of our company and we are honoured to deepen our relationship in this way. Ballet Queer is excited to make more work in the spaces of this inspiring venue, as we grow during 2026.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
