Organizer Information
EXPAND – Empowering the Performing Arts with XR and AI Technologies – is a European cooperation project supported by the Creative Europe programme. It is led by a consortium of three partners: Dark Euphoria (France), &Espoo Theatre (Finland), and “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre (Romania). The project bridges the gap between performing arts and digital innovation, offering a two-year capacity-building programme that combines hands-on practice with XR (Extended Reality) and AI technologies, peer-to-peer learning, and intensive networking for emerging artists and producers. The consortium aims to democratize access to immersive and interactive tools while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth in the European performing arts sector.
Title & Description
EXPAND – Open Call for Emerging Creative Duos (Artist + Producer) 2026–27
This open call seeks emerging performing arts duos—an artist and a producer—to participate in a 12-month capacity-building programme focused on integrating XR (Extended Reality) and Generative AI into live performance. Participants will explore hybrid, immersive, and interactive performance practices while gaining hands-on experience with digital tools. The programme emphasizes experimentation, critical thinking, and professional development, without requiring the production of a finished work.
Selected duos will attend in-person labs in France, Finland, and Romania, as well as online workshops, mentoring sessions, and peer-learning activities. The initiative encourages creative duos to push the boundaries of live performance through technology, rethinking dramaturgy, spatial presence, and audience interaction.
Categories
Performing Arts, Interdisciplinary Arts, XR, AI, Theatre, Dance, Performance, Multimedia, Digital
Eligibility
- Open to emerging artists and producers forming a duo.
- Both applicants must be based/resident in France, Finland, or Romania.
- Must have professional experience as an artist: presented/toured 2–5 works, maximum 7 years of practice, in ≤3 countries.
- Full English proficiency required.
- Applicants must be able to invoice for participation-related costs.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Full coverage of international travel, accommodation, and per diems for all in-person labs and the Avignon kick-off event.
- Intensive training in XR and AI tools, including hands-on labs and mentoring.
- Networking opportunities across European performing arts organizations.
- Access to peer-to-peer learning, online talks, and one-to-one mentoring.
- Contribution to the EXPAND XR resource library for documentation and knowledge sharing.
- Inclusion in a high-visibility European project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single online application including:
- Cover Letter (max. 1 page PDF) – describe duo’s artistic vision, motivation, and expectations.
- Artistic Portfolio – documentation of recent work (images, videos, project descriptions).
- CVs for both artist and producer (max. 1 page each, PDF).
- Applications must be in English and submitted via the official online form.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 March 2026
- Shortlist Notification: Before 17 April 2026
- Online Interviews: 20–22 April 2026
- Final Results Announcement: 30 April 2026
Location
Hybrid: France (Avignon, Cannes), Finland (Espoo), Romania (Craiova), and Online
Additional Details
- Participants must attend all mandatory online sessions and in-person labs.
- Respectful and inclusive conduct is required.
- Selected duos grant non-commercial use of documentation to EXPAND for reporting and dissemination.
- Diversity and inclusion: the programme aims for 60% participants from underrepresented groups.
- GDPR compliance is ensured; personal data is used solely for programme management.
- Ethical use of AI/XR tools is expected.
- Participants are responsible for personal insurance (health, travel, civil liability).