Organizer Information
TANZRECHERCHE × SPRUNGBRETT is a cooperation project between NRW KULTURsekretariat and the tanz nrw 27 festival. NRW KULTURsekretariat runs Tanzrecherche NRW, an international scholarship programme established in 2009 that supports dancers, performers and choreographers through production-independent research residencies. The programme focuses on interdisciplinary, transcultural and context-based artistic research. For 2027, the programme is being presented in cooperation with tanz nrw 27.
Title & Description
TANZRECHERCHE × SPRUNGBRETT
TANZRECHERCHE × SPRUNGBRETT offers a production-independent research grant and two-week residency in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The programme is designed for artists who want to investigate a research topic, develop new artistic formats or explore artistic practices within a specific local context.
Rather than requiring participants to deliver a finished production, the programme emphasizes process, experimentation, research and exchange. International artists are encouraged to engage with local contexts and artistic networks in NRW.
Following the residency, selected artists participate in tanz nrw 27, where they can attend festival events, meet artists and presenters, and expand their professional networks.
Categories
- Dance
- Choreography
- Performance
- Contemporary Dance
- Urban Dance
- Contemporary Circus
- Digital Live Formats
- Intergenerational and Inclusive Artistic Practices
Eligibility
The call is divided into two applicant groups:
Call 1 — Emerging Artists from NRW
- Graduates of dance or art universities/colleges and/or newcomers to the professional dance scene
- Main artistic work based in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Should have completed approximately 1–2 artistic projects
- Graduation should have taken place no more than three years before applying
- Applications may include up to two people
Call 2 — International Artists
- International choreographers and dance artists living and working outside Germany
- Must demonstrate a concrete connection to NRW through their proposed research
- Expected to engage with local contexts and artistic actors
- Must be personally present throughout the residency and participate in the festival
- Applications may include up to two people
Program Benefits & Awards
- €5,000 research grant per residency
- Two-week residency in Wuppertal or Essen
- Studio and venue resources, including technical equipment subject to availability
- Dramaturgical advice and organizational support
- Exchange opportunities at the residency venue
- Possible public conversation during tanz nrw 27; no stage performance is required
- Travel costs covered according to the NRW State Travel Expenses Act
- Accommodation costs covered during the residency
- Support with accommodation during the festival period
- Documentation/material costs by agreement
- Professional networking opportunities with artists, presenters and other sector professionals
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 3 November 2026
- Selection: Expert jury
- Selection announcement: By December 2026
- Residency: 26 April – 10 May 2027
- tanz nrw 27 festival: 12–23 May 2027
Location
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Additional Details
The programme is specifically intended for research rather than production. Artists with an already largely completed concept who are primarily seeking a production residency are therefore not the intended applicants.
International applicants should demonstrate why NRW is relevant to their research and show an interest in engaging with local artists, communities or contexts. Selected participants must remain personally present for the complete residency period and participate in the festival.
The tanz nrw festival presents diverse choreographic positions from NRW and includes contemporary and urban dance, performance, contemporary circus, digital live formats, and intergenerational and inclusive work.