SEEN Lewisham is a vibrant, multi-arts festival dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and showcasing incredible local creative artists. Co-produced by Broadway Theatre, Nouveau Riche, and Lewisham Council, SEEN Lewisham champions bold new work across theatre, dance, music, comedy, visual arts, and more — right in the heart of Lewisham, celebrating cultural diversity.

Returning for its second year from Saturday 4th October – Sunday 12th October, 2025. 

The festival is a joyful and radical platform for cultural expression, community connection, and artistic growth.

From powerful plays and thrilling dance to unforgettable live music and comedy, SEEN Lewisham 2025 presents a rich programme of performances from artists across disciplines and backgrounds.

Our popular Marketplace Day celebrates local makers, traders, and entrepreneurs with a vibrant mix of fashion, food, crafts, books, art, and wellness products. It's a lively community space with great vibes, live music, and cultural pride.

Applications to be apart of this exciting opportunity will be open in June 2025.

SEEN isn’t just happening on stage — it's happening all across Lewisham. This year’s programme includes a lively Opening Night celebration, a joyful Children’s Day filled with creativity and family fun, Poetry Nights, community Library Events, school programmes and pop-ups throughout the borough. Expect workshops, conversations, and cultural happenings in unexpected places — all designed to bring people together and make the arts accessible to all.

Running from July to October, our enhanced mentorship programme offers emerging artists hands-on support to develop new work. Mentees receive tailored mentorship from industry leaders, grant support, and the opportunity to present their work during the festival.

We are looking for bold, creative artists from Lewisham to develop and showcase their work at SEEN Lewisham. This is your opportunity to receive funding, mentorship, and a platform to elevate your artistic practice.

We are seeking a cohort of culturally diverse artists who:

• Are based in London, with a strong relationship to Lewisham.
• Are emerging or at a pivotal stage in their career.
• Have an interest in theatre, music or dance.
• Participants must be aged 18+.

• Funding - Apply for a grant of £2,000 - £5,000 to support your creative project.
• Mentorship- Join a 4-month mentoring programme with industry leaders.
• Performances- Present your work on the Broadway Theatre stage during SEEN Festival 2025.

• Create and develop an original work to be presented during SEEN Lewisham 2025 on the Studio Theatre stage.
• Participate in creative development, rehearsals, and feedback sessions as scheduled.
• Submit progress updates, drafts, or work-in-progress materials when requested.
• Ensure the work is festival-ready by the festival dates (Saturday 4- Sunday 12 October)

Fill out the application form before midday Friday 6 June. Include a brief bio or CV, samples of your work, and your vision for the performance.

If you are unable to complete this form due to access needs, we welcome submissions in alternative formats, including audio or video. Please contact us at info@nvrch.co.uk to arrange your preferred submission method.

SEEN Lewisham is powered by passionate people. We're currently looking for:

• Front of House Volunteers – Support audiences and help create a welcoming atmosphere.

Join us and help make the festival unforgettable for artists and audiences alike.

We welcome businesses to become official SEEN Lewisham partners. Partnership packages range from Headline to Community level and include branding, visibility, staff engagement, and more. Your support helps fund artists, build platforms, and strengthen creative networks in Lewisham.

“We’re thrilled to bring SEEN Lewisham back for its second year, building on the incredible momentum and community we created in 2024. This year, we’re evolving our mentorship programme, expanding our Marketplace, and presenting a powerful line-up of work that celebrates culture and community. Our partnership with Lewisham Council is central to this – together, we’re investing in artists, creating opportunity, and making sure Lewisham’s creativity is truly seen.”