Under Canvas seeking performer applications from women and gender-diverse musicians as Eden Court look to improve gender balance of Inverness festival programme
Female and gender-diverse artists are being encouraged to apply to be part of Inverness’ premier outdoor music festival.
Eden Court’s Under Canvas will return this summer for its seventh year, showcasing a line-up of live music on the banks of the River Ness spanning trad, folk, contemporary, special events and more.
Having been crowned venue of the year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, the venue is in the process of programming another exciting year of quality live music for 2025, with ambitions to further diversify this year’s Under Canvas line-up.
Over 6500 music lovers gathered in the festival’s distinctive stretch tents in 2024, during which time Eden Court provided paid employment to 220 artists from the Highlands and beyond.
However, recognising that the folk and trad genres are largely male-dominated, the Inverness venue is encouraging applications from female and gender-diverse artists having taken the Keychange Pledge to improve the gender balance of its programme over the next three years.
The festival team is also maintaining its commitment to profiling musicians connected to the Highlands, those performing in and using Gaelic, and early-career artists who are also being encouraged to apply and use the festival as a platform for development.
Artists hoping to join this year’s eight-week programme of music and performance have until Saturday, February 1 to apply, and while folk and trad music make up around 60 per cent of the festival’s performance opportunities submissions from other genres will also be warmly welcomed.
Susannah Armitage, Eden Court’s senior producer, said: “Under Canvas is at the heart of our award-winning music programme. We’re on the hunt for exceptional musicians who are ready to bring something fresh and exciting to our line-up.
“As always, we are keen to hear from musicians we may not have encountered before – if this is you or your band, please do reach out to us!”