DOADOA – East African Performing Arts Market invites applications from musicians, bands, and performing artists from Uganda and across East Africa to participate in the DOADOA 2026 Official Showcase Programme.

As East Africa’s leading performing arts market, DOADOA connects artists with festival programmers, booking agents, promoters, cultural institutions, media, and industry professionals, creating opportunities for visibility, networking, bookings, touring, and career growth.

The 2026 edition places special emphasis on women artists and creative entrepreneurs, while encouraging applications from artists living with disabilities, refugee artists, and other underrepresented groups across the region.

Why Apply?

Selected artists will have the opportunity to:

• Perform before local and regional industry professionals. 
• Build networks with programmers, promoters, and booking agents. 
• Access opportunities for bookings, touring, collaboration, and market development. 
• Participate in professional exchange and learning opportunities. 
• Increase their visibility within East Africa’s creative sector.
• Join the Arts on the Move online touring platform. 

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

• Solo artists 
• Bands and ensembles 
• Contemporary and traditional musicians 
• Cross-disciplinary performers 

DOADOA particularly encourages applications from:

• Women artists and women-led groups 
• Young women in music and performing arts 
• Artists living with disabilities 
• Refugee artists and refugee-led groups 

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Artistic quality and originality 
• Performance readiness 
• Market potential

About DOADOA

DOADOA is a regional platform that connects artists, creative entrepreneurs, cultural institutions, festivals, venues, and industry professionals through showcasing, networking, learning, and market access opportunities.

Through the CREATE Programme and strategic partnerships, DOADOA continues to expand opportunities for women, refugees, and persons with disabilities to participate and thrive in Uganda and across East Africa’s creative economy.

Showcase. Connect. Collaborate. Grow. Tour.

Join DOADOA 2026 and be part of East Africa’s inclusive performing arts marketplace.