Short Description

Global Connect is built on IETM’s vision of a global membership and an inclusive, diverse, accessible and eco-responsible network. 

Since 2021, the programme has supported 54 Global Connectors, performing arts leaders and innovators from five continents, who are driving a tangible shift in IETM with their important voices, perspectives and knowledge.

Eligibility

IETM Global Connect is open to all performing arts professionals worldwide (producers, artists, managers, presenters, etc.) working in an organisation or as freelance/self-employed. 

  • Applicants should be currently working in the contemporary performing arts (except for live music) based anywhere in the world and with all backgrounds. Particular attention will be given towards professionals from areas or countries where IETM has low membership or no members at all and individuals who consider themselves part of underrepresented groups in the performing arts landscape. You can view the IETM members list here.
  • Applicants should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in the performing arts field.
  • Applicants should be able to demonstrate a concrete commitment to equality, inclusion, diversity, and sustainability in their work practices.
  • As IETM’s working language, applicants should be able to communicate proficiently in English and be able to contribute to meetings and gatherings in English.
  • Applicants should be able to travel to Finland for the IETM Plenary Meeting in 2026 in Oulu, Finland, on 15-18 June 2026. Therefore, they must be eligible to apply for a Schengen visa in a timely manner, if needed.
  • Current IETM members* and current Global Connect Alumni are NOT eligible to apply.

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

  • IETM Membership: selected Global Connectors will be granted a free individual IETM membership for five years (from the beginning of 2026 until the end of 2030) with full access to all members’ benefits. The membership includes:
    • Free registration to all IETM events;
       
    • Free participation in all IETM training and membership activities;
       
    • Full access to the IETM internal digital platform and members’ newsletters;
       
    • Opportunities to use the IETM partners search tool and to share news, resources and call to actions via IETM’s website and other communication channels;
       
    • Participation in the IETM Governance through voting and applying to be elected in the IETM General Assembly;
       
    • Many more benefits are listed here.
       
  • Participation in exclusive online activities: From January to May 2026, the selected Global Connectors will be involved in a number of online community-building activities:
     
  1. Introductory session for all Global Connectors in Mid-January 2025.
     
  2. 1-1 session with the IETM team to have an in-depth and tailored introduction to IETM, its activities and all the membership benefits. 
     
  3. Global Connectors networking session in late February.
     
  4. Participation in the very first ‘Global Connect’ podcast: a 5-episode series featuring conversations between two Global Connectors facilitated by current IETM members. The episodes will be recorded across March, and the episodes will be released between April and June.
     
  5. Online live testimonies from members of the Global Connectors Alumni in May.

The timeframe of all the online sessions will depend on the time zones of the selected participants.

  • Funding support to attend one IETM meeting: The Global Connectors 2026 will receive funding support to attend the IETM Plenary Meeting 2026 taking place in Oulu, Finland on 15-18 June 2026. The support will cover all travel, accommodation and visa costs as well as other relevant costs required to attend the meeting.

    All selected Global Connectors are expected to attend the meeting, so please ensure you are available to travel to Finland on 15-18 June 2026. The Global Connectors 2026 will be able to experience the Plenary as IETM members, having access to all the programme’s talks, workshops, experiences, networking sessions and more. In addition, they will specifically participate in:- A live networking activity to facilitate connections with the other IETM members;- One private session reserved for both the Global Connectors 2026 and the Alumni from the previous editions who will be attending the Plenary.

Entry Fee

None

Location

Finland

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 9 October 2025

Website Link: https://www.ietm.org/en/projects/ietm-global-connect/2026-open-call

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