A new arts project aims to give local performance companies the chance to boost their profiles and create exciting new work.

Norwich arts hub The Garage is setting up a Scratch Nights programme for groups who perform dance, theatre, circus and more, and it is now looking for four groups to take part in the first event.

The hope is the project will be the catalyst for innovative new work that will be taken on tour in the future and fly the flag for our county's rich arts scene.

The Garage has teamed up with All-In Productions and REDuck ProDUCKtions for the project, and those selected to take part will be given rehearsal space and support to develop their performance ahead of the first Scratch Night on April 15.

The four companies will each be given 15 minutes to perform and a share of the box office takings from the night, as well as the chance for more support in the future.

Adam Taylor, The Garage's executive director, said: 'This is a very exciting time, as we are already increasing the ways in which we support local artists. We want to be able to foster engagement in the arts community and give a platform for local talent to develop. I'm hoping this will form part of an increased dialogue between artists, and lead on to them touring new work in the region and beyond.'

Daniel Burgess, artistic director of All-in Productions, said: 'I'm thrilled to be able to announce the Scratch Nights project, to work with emerging artists from the area and assist them on the path to creating some incredible pieces of theatre is very exciting. For too long 'great professional theatre' has been something that is shipped in from London, but I believe that the work The Garage and we at All-In have begun will prove that there is some much amazing talent in the region, that is just waiting to be discovered by the masses.'

The Scratch Nights project is being given funding support from Arts Council England.

For more information or to request an application form, email takepart@thegarage.org.uk or call 01603 283382.

Applications for the first Scratch Night will open on February 1, with a deadline of March 1.

Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk