This new commission programme will allow Breakin’ Convention to share its professional development projects nationwide, and provide freelance artists with much needed financial resources to create. The project is part of Breakin’ Out – a three-year programme of national hip hop dance theatre activity funded by Arts Council England. Breakin’ Out comprises three project strands: Grass Routes – a mentorship programme partnering with six hip hop practitioners for a year each developing local activity and supporting with organisational development; Professional Development programme – providing hip hop artists the opportunity to create and perform works; and National Touring – full scale Breakin’ Convention International Festivals across the UK.

In order to be considered for commission, artists will be required to take part in an Emerge+See Surgery - a week long online professional development project. Up to six artists or companies will be selected to work for a week on existing or new ideas, mentored via Zoom by two hip hop dance and theatre practitioners. Up to three of the six artists will then be selected for commission, and an evening of the new works will be performed live at a theatre in that edition’s region.