A scheme to help support independent arts critics at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is now open for applications.

The Network of Independent Critics (NIC) aims to help writers at the huge arts festival between August 5 and 29 this year.

It offers affordable accommodation and some development of skills and experience.

Laura Kressly, one of the founders of the NIC, said: “Criticism is often very lonely, and it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed by the scale and intensity at the fringe.

“As independent critics don’t have the security of a publication for which they’re writing/generating content other than their own, that can add to the stress brought on by the intensity of the festival.

“NIC aims to connect these independent critics with each other as well as provide subsidised housing to enable these (usually unpaid) critics to access the festival.”

The most a stay at the NIC house will cost over six days will be £185.

The Network are also aiming to launch a crowdfunding initiative to help with finances further, and if they exceed that, they may also be able to provide travel costs to the major arts festival.

Three places have been reserved for people who wish to develop specialism in circus arts, as well as 21 other places for different areas of interest.

Katharine Kavanagh from the NIC said: “The Fringe is notorious for attracting first time reviewers who see it as a chance to experience the shows rather than a serious vocation, and who are yet to develop the skills that our participants have dedicated themselves too.

“While that’s great for them, it’s important that the message goes out that, in a changing media world, independent online critics are not, by definition, sub-par.

“Audiences and organisations will be able to access NIC reviews and know that all the participants have been selected based on dedication and a proven track record of performance critique.

“The scheme is not just open to writers either; people working in other forms, such as podcast and vlog are very welcome.”

Applications for the NIC are now open. For more information, and to apply, email NICritics@mail.com