» Performing Arts «
Green Man Trust puts talented Welsh artists on the world stage. Our Performing Arts Development programme is the flagship platform for Welsh outdoor arts, using Green Man as a high-profile launchpad to develop artists’ practice and reach global audiences.
2,654+
Creatives supported since 2014
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Performing Arts Programme
Performing Arts is all about supporting the Welsh outdoor arts sector and uses Green Man’s international reach as a springboard for artists to develop new audiences and try out new ideas, supported by the extensive technical and production expertise of the Green Man team. It is now one of the key dates in the national Summer touring calendar. With an international strategy taking shape, we are connecting Welsh artists with new markets for touring and presenting international work never seen in Wales before.
We offer commissions, a test-space for new ideas and hands-on support, backing everything from emerging circus companies to renowned names like National Theatre Wales, Ballet Cymru and Hijinx Theatre as they experiment with form and reach. We champion ambition, production quality and creative risk.
Through long-term artist relationships, we provide:
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Specialist technical support and access to production infrastructure
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Mentoring and peer-learning opportunities
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Budget, location and significant audience reach
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An international exchange network
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An artist-led workshop & panel discussion
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Green Man’s Global Exchange
In 2022, we launched Green Man’s Global Exchange to draw on the international reach and reputation of the festival to:
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Promote Welsh artists and culture globally
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Establish co-commissioning and touring partnerships for Welsh artists;
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Invite international artists and networks to Wales
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Position Wales as a serious player in the international cultural landscape.
Green Man’s Global Exchange has been instrumental in elevating Welsh creativity and culture on the world stage. The programme has established connections for Welsh work to tour in countries including Ireland, Scotland, England, Spain, France and Australia.
The programme welcomes international arts organisations and practitioners to Wales, with a focus on the EU and regions that share Wales’ indigenous language heritage. Strong partnerships have been developed with cultural bodies in Ireland, Scotland, the Basque Country, Catalonia, and more recently Flanders and Brittany; connecting national and international networks such as Articulture, Outdoor Arts UK, Four Nations, ISACS, Surge, +Culture, FiraTàrrega, Catalan Arts, Circostrada, Zomer Van Antwerp, Circuscentrum among others
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Key Facts
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2,654+ Welsh artists supported since 2014
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118,750+ live reach in 10 years
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353+ Welsh creatives connected internationally
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90+ international delegates since 2022
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312+ live performances
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63% female-led
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42% LGBTQIA+
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37% disable-led
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19 international acts since 2022
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Case Study - Osian Meilir
Osian Meilir is a performer, dance-maker, and movement artist from Wales. In 2021, they created their first mid-scale production, Qwerin, as director and choreographer, commissioned by Articulture Wales and further developed into a full-scale production with support from Green Man Trust. Qwerin was presented at Green Man to thousands of live audiences and has since toured internationally.
Green Man Trust has played a pivotal role in Meilir’s artistic journey. In 2024, we co-commissioned their new small-scale dance piece Mari Ha!, and the following year supported its development into Mari Hwyr! - Osian Meilir’s most ambitious work to date. This full-length production marked their first collaboration with circus artists and enabled the creation of an original score with a Welsh composer. It also brought together an all-Welsh creative team, fostering skills development and cross-disciplinary collaboration within the national performing arts sector. Mari Hwyr! became our most ambitious and celebrated show to date.

‘The relationship I’ve built with Green Man has been ongoing and meaningful. The level of artistic freedom and support is incredibly rare and valuable. Their support has opened doors, created lasting connections, and helped me better understand who I am as an artist. The opportunities and support I have received have allowed me to develop my artistry, create new work and share this with a wider audience that reaches beyond Wales. As a Welsh artist, opportunities like these to platform your artistic vision and voice really are quite rare.’ Osian Meilir