THE EASTGATE theatre is currently hosting a two-week event for established and emerging artists.

The Rough Mix creative lab began on Monday and offers practical opportunities for people to explore new ideas and ways of working.

Developed by Edinburgh-based theatre company Magnetic North, this is the first time the annual residency has come to the south of Scotland. 

The residency encourages boldness and innovation in the work of participants, providing an opportunity for creative interaction between different artists.

It is led and curated by Magnetic North’s artistic director Nicholas Bone who has developed a widely-respected approach to developing new work and creating links between artists and art forms.

This year’s Rough Mix programme sees a core group of five experienced artists from across Scotland, plus two Borders-based early-career artists – Felicity Bristow and Sue Scowcroft. 

Between them, they have expertise in visual arts, writing, film-making, dance, music, theatre and contemporary art.

Each experienced artist brings an idea or starting point for a project, or a new approach that they are interested in exploring, with the emerging artists getting involved in the creative work. 

The artists will be at the theatre for another week and are accompanied by additional performers, including Peebles-based actor Scott Noble.

Caroline Adam, the Eastgate’s general manager, said: “We are delighted to be the first venue in the south of Scotland to host this innovative national residency.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for local artists as well as those from around Scotland to observe and participate in the process of creative work.”

The programme ends with a work-in-progress showing on Friday, June 30. 

Visit: eastgatearts.com/events/rough-mix-sharing