The Theatre Institute invites producers with experience in managing international projects and productions in theatre and performing arts, or aiming to pursue their careers in this direction, to participate in study visits organised in cooperation with Dachverband Tanz Deutschland, Reso – Dance Network Switzerland, and the Polish Institute in Berlin during the Tanztriennale in Hamburg and Forum Danse in Biel/Bienne.

Program Schedule:

• 24 April 2026 – deadline for applications
• 8 May 2026 – announcement of selected participants on the Theatre Institute website
• 15–19 June 2026 – study visit at Tanztriennale (limit: 3 participants)
• 24–28 November 2026 – study visit at Forum Danse ( limit: 3 participants)

The program offers study visits in two different locations, both directly related to the partnership established during the Focus on Producers program held in 2025 (more information on the program here). During both events, participants will have the opportunity to meet theatre, dance, and performing arts producers. Applications are open for both events; 6 participants will be selected in total — 3 for Tanztriennale and 3 for Forum Danse. In both cases, the study visit lasts 5 days (including the arrival and departure days, with a total of 4 nights).

Study visit to Germany

Study visit to Germany will be held on 15 – 19 June 2026.

The main event during the study visit to Germany will be the Tanztriennale. The Tanztriennale is a long-standing, recurring event, endorsing a clear vision: to make dance visible, strengthen its position, and recognize it as a practice of social significance in all its aesthetic, stylistic, and cultural diversity.

The first edition presents dance in its full potential — as an art form, a social force, and a stimulus for new ways of thinking. Crossing the boundaries of cultures, communities, and generations, it invites both professionals and the general public to watch, participate, reflect, discuss, and dance.

During the event, a Network Meeting by produktionsbande & InfoPlus/Dachverband Tanz Deutschland will be held on 16 and 17 June 2026. produktionsbande – network performing arts producers and InfoPlus/Dachverband Tanz Deutschland invite the study visit participants to a 1,5-day-long gathering of producers, managers, agents and distributors. The meeting provides a space for shared exchange on current developments in the independent performing arts. Through focused sessions and open discussions, diverse perspectives and positions related to ongoing debates in the field will be explored, alongside potential strategies for addressing current challenges. The gathering is intended to foster deeper dialogue, strengthen connections, and support collective reflection on the evolving landscape of independent performing arts at regional, national, and international levels.

Study visit to Switzerland

Study visit to Switzerland will be held on 24 – 28 November 2026.

The main event during the study visit to Switzerland will be participation in the Forum Danse in Bienne/Biel (on 27 November 2027). Forum Danse is a gathering of the Swiss performing arts and dance scene. It is a professional meeting of the Swiss performing arts and dance community, addressed to choreographers, dancers, arts educators, presenters, cultural managers, and producers of performing arts. It aims to create an opportunity to meet and discuss current issues related to professional dance and cultural policy.

During the study visit to Switzerland, the participants will spend the two days preceding the Forum Danse in Zurich. The program of the Zurich stay will be created in collaboration with a local organisation supporting producers.

The Theatre Institute offers selected participants:

• a gross fee of PLN 1,000 for the development of a short report from the study visit, enabling the coverage of per diem expenses.
• coverage of accommodation and intercity/international transportation costs (excluding local transport),
• event admission,
• networking opportunities during the main event and during the stays in the host city/cities.

How to apply?
Fill in the application form in English by 24 April 2026.

What are the requirements for applicants?

• Experience in international collaboration (participation in the production process of at least 3 international projects or performances is required);
• An intermediate level of English proficiency or higher.

The applicants will be selected based on an assessment of their answers to the questions featured in the application form:
● Benefits of the selected trip for the applicant’s production profile – 0–5 points
● Impact of the selected trip on the applicant’s individual professional development – 0–5 points
● Reasons for wishing to travel to the selected region – 0–5 points
● Proposal of additional activities to be performed during the study visit, including any additional visits and/or meetings beyond the main event included in the study visit programme – 0–3 points

Selection committee: Karolina Dziełak-Żakowska, Krystyna Mogilnicka (Theatre Institute), Noémie Delfgou (Reso – Dance Network Switzerland), Jana Grünewald (Dachverband Tanz Deutschland)

If you have any questions, please reach out to Karolina Dziełak-Żakowska at +48 535 34 03 02 or kzakowska@instytut-teatralny.pl.

Q&A

1. Can I apply to both visits?
   We will try to allow as many producers as possible to take advantage of this opportunity, but you may indicate your willingness to participate in both study visits.
2. Is this open call only for dance producers?
   No, the call is dedicated to producers of performing arts and theatre as well. Even though the events focus on dance, they bring together a community of producers working in other genres too.
3. I am unavailable for the full 5-day visit. Can I still apply?
   Full participation is preferred, but if you have a compelling reason, describe your situation; it will be considered on an individual basis.
4. I have limited international experience but want to develop in this area. Can I apply?
   This program targets more experienced professionals already working internationally. All producers, regardless of their level of experience, will be invited to participate in the Focus #2 program, where, among other activities, they will have the opportunity to meet with international experts in Warsaw.
5. I have special needs – what support is available?
   Contact us individually or enter your needs in the application form.
6. I cannot participate but want to receive updates about the Institute’s producer-oriented initiatives – how can I stay in touch?
   We welcome your contact – please fill out the contact form here.
7. When will I know if I’ve been selected?
   Results will be communicated individually via email and on the Theatre Institute website by 10 May 2026.
8. I have other questions – whom can I contact?
   Please reach out to Karolina Dziełak-Żakowska (kzakowska@instytut-teatralny.pl).

The Focus on producers – study visits for professionals project is co-financed under the Kultura inspirująca 2026–2027 program with funding from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland.