Following an open call process, the National Theatre of Scotland alongside partners have been selected as one of the Creative Teams that will take part in the upcoming Festival UK* 2022 R&D Project.

30 creative teams, made up of organisations and individuals from across the UK within the industries of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM), will research and develop proposals over the coming months, that have the potential to become large-scale engagement projects.

Up to 10 Creative Teams, selected from the 30 teams participating in the R&D project, will be shortlisted to have their idea taken into full commission and be part of the UK-wide festival that will take place throughout 2022.

The creative leads for the National Theatre of Scotland will include Jackie Wylie (Artistic Director at National Theatre of Scotland), Wezi Mhura (Creative Associate at National Theatre of Scotland) and Nicv Green (Artist and performance-maker). They will work with a Scottish team representing STEAM centres of excellence, including Etienne Kubwabo, a film maker and DJ who recently published a comic book about Glasgow's first black superhero; Claire Eva (Director of Audiences and Media at V&A Dundee) and Sonia Napolitano (V&A Dundee's Young People’s Collective) representing V&A Dundee; Fergus Linehan (Festival Director of Edinburgh International Festival) and DJ, producer and live performer Brian D'Souza (Auntie Flo), proposed to the group by the International Festival ; Vanessa Woodard representing Sky Arts; Simon Gage (Director at Edinburgh Science) representing Science; Professor Malcolm Macdonald, Director of the Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications based at the University of Strathclyde; and Chris van der Kuyl (Director of Dundee-based games developer 4J Studios) representing gaming and technology.

Jackie Wylie said: "The opportunity to collaborate across the STEAM sectors is an exciting opportunity for us at the National Theatre of Scotland, and we are thrilled to be working as part of such an extraordinary team of individuals and organisations. We are looking forward to getting started on work over the coming weeks and months. “

Fergus Linehan, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival, "The International Festival is delighted to partner with some of the most creative individuals and institutions from across Scotland on this R&D stage of FestivalUK*2022."

Independently run and led by Chief Creative Officer Martin Green, Festival UK* 2022 is backed by the four governments of the UK. The 30 Creative Teams selected for the R&D are made up of 22 UK-wide collaborations, and two each from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Festival will take place throughout 2022 and each project will bring new opportunities for creative people in sectors that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. A specific focus is being placed on emerging talent and under-represented voices.

More information on the festival can be found at www.festival2022.uk