DIASPORA! returns in 2026 with a ten-day celebration of cultural diversity through the arts
The Diverse Artists Network (DAN) is proud to announce the return of DIASPORA! – a landmark, not-for-profit festival celebrating cultural diversity, community and creativity, taking place 1–10 May 2026 across Bristol and the South West region.
Following the success of the pilot festival in 2024, DIASPORA! 26 will have a ten-day, region-spanning programme,showcasing the extraordinary talent, heritage and creative ingenuity of diverse, international communities.
From films and exhibitions to workshops, talks and performances, online events, crafts, music, DJs, theatre and much more, the programme will celebrate who we are as a city, region and country, recognising the fact that diversity is essential to thriving communities and cultures.
DAN and DIASPORA! Artistic Director Vandna Mehta says:
We’re so excited to run DIASPORA! again next year. The inaugural festival in 2024 was such a success for the city and region, and also helped us to grow as an organisation. We’re really looking forward to having even more impact this time around, and working in close collaboration with our amazing artists, partners and communities. We couldn’t run DIASPORA! without the support of the city, especially in the funding landscape we are in, where things are so uncertain for the arts. By working together and sharing our resources, we know we can and will create something amazing and accessible for all. I’m really proud of what our team has achieved and look forward to an even bigger celebration in 2026.’
The 2026 programme will feature:
- Live music, dance, theatre and spoken word from artists of many diasporas
- Outdoor celebrations and community-led events
- Screenings, exhibitions and performances
- Workshops, talks and gatherings exploring identity, creativity and cultural heritage
- Partnerships with cultural communities, grassroots organisations and major venues across the region
Get involved with DIASPORA! 2026
We’re thrilled to announce that DIASPORA! will run from 1st to 10th May 2026. We know how important it is for our city to celebrate cultural diversity through the arts, and we can’t wait to do that with you.
This year, we’ll be working with limited funding, which means we’re adapting how we operate. We’re focusing on what we can build together – in partnership with venues, organisations and our brilliant communities. We’ve also updated our processes.
Everyone who wants to take part must apply. Yes, including you! If you’d like to be part of DIASPORA! 26, please click on the link below.
If you need support to fill it out, email hello@diverseartistsnetwork.com as soon as you can. Please don’t leave requests for support until the last minute as we need a bit of notice to be able to help.
Applications are open from now until 23:59 Friday 9 January.
We’ll review all submissions and get back to you by February.
Here’s how we’ll work with artists, facilitators and cultural groups
Option 1
If you already have an event between 1–10 May, we can include it in the DIASPORA! programme and link to it from our website.
Option 2
If you have a ready-to-go show, performance or workshop, we may be able to match you with a venue, support you with ticketing so you can cover your costs, and promote your event as part of the festival.
Option 3
If you’d like to facilitate an online workshop or talk, we could help ticket and promote it.
Option 4
If you’re a DJ or in a band, we can connect you with one of our partner venues.
Option 5
If you’re a visual artist, we may be able to help you find an exhibition space. These opportunities are unpaid, but you’re welcome to sell your work.
Option 6
If you have an idea you want to develop, we hope to support a small number of new projects depending on a funding decision in February. Tell us what you’re working on so we can keep you in mind.
Cultural groups
We’d love you to share your culture through dress, food, dance, workshops or talks.
Volunteering
There may be opportunities to shadow the team and learn new skills during the festival.
Our selection process will prioritise cultural heritage, representation of underrepresented diasporas (at least 70% of the programme), artists and groups from underrepresented areas of the city and region, as well as experience, quality and readiness to show your work. Follow us on socials and sign up to our newsletter to make sure you stay updated.
