The purpose of the decibel Performing Arts Showcase is to promote diverse practice in the performing arts sector. This bi-annual event aims to more fully represent and reflect the different cultures and backgrounds that make our country unique in the world.

Arts Council England welcomes submissions from all artists and companies with diverse practice. This includes, but is not limited to, artists from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people or any other artist who may have had limited opportunities to participate in the arts.

Artists and companies selected for the cross art-form four day event represent the cutting edge of music, theatre, dance, live art, circus and street arts from around the country.

The first decibel Performing Arts Showcase took place in Manchester in 2003 presenting work and performances by over 40 artists and companies from across all art-forms and was attended by national and international delegates.

In May 2005 the second decibel Performing Arts Showcase took place in Manchester. This built on the success of 2003 again with over 40 productions presented across eight venues in three and a half days. This event attracted nearly 400 delegates and included a street arts event over the final weekend.

The 2005 decibel Performing Arts Showcase hosted an international meeting with national and international delegates to discuss themes and issues of mutual interest to promoters, artists and producers. The wider aim of the meeting was to provide a launch-pad for the one-day International Symposium that took place as part of the decibel Performing Arts Showcase 07 in Birmingham.

The fourth Showcase took place in Manchester, England, from 15 – 18 September 2009.