Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by the German Centre of the International Theatre Institute (ITI-Germany). ITI is a global organization for the performing arts that promotes international exchanges among theatre practitioners. The ITI-Germany branch organizes festivals, fellowships, and professional encounters to foster cross-cultural collaboration and artistic development.
Title & Description
ITI Academy Week Fellowship – Theater der Welt 2026 (Berlin & Chemnitz)
This fellowship invites early-career theatre artists and makers from around the world to participate in a one-week intensive program — the ITI Academy Week — held during the THEATER DER WELT festival (21–28 June 2026) in Berlin and Chemnitz. The Academy Week is conceived as a laboratory for artistic research, collective resilience, and socially engaged theatre practice. Fellows will attend festival performances and events, engage in curated talks with artists and curators, and participate in workshops focused on themes such as artistic freedom, censorship, collective care, fair collaboration, decolonization, and community-building across cultural divides.
Participants will also benefit from two one-on-one mentoring sessions with artists from the ITI Academy LABs and become part of the Academy’s global alumni network, helping sustain long-term international connections within the ITI community.
Category
- Performing Arts / Theatre
- Artistic Research & Exchange
- Community & Social Practice
Eligibility
- Open to artists, theatre makers, and cultural practitioners worldwide.
- Particularly aimed at those at the beginning of their professional career, but with some experience.
- Applicants should have a strong interest in the intersection of art and activism, social justice, collective care, decolonization, and community engagement.
- Good proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required, as the working language is English.
- Preference or encouragement for those connected to the ITI network, such as national ITI centres or the “Network of Emerging Arts Professionals” (NEAP), though this is not a strict condition.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Festival Access: Complimentary tickets to THEATER DER WELT performances and events during the Academy Week.
- Accommodation: Hotel with breakfast provided.
- Daily Allowance (Per Diem): For the duration of the fellowship.
- Travel Support: Contribution toward travel costs. For train (2nd class) or economy-class flights.
- Insurance: Health and travel insurance for international fellows.
- Visa Support: Assistance with visa applications and coverage of visa fees for international participants
- Mentorship: Two individual mentoring sessions with artists from the ITI Academy LABs.
- Networking & Exchange: Participation in workshops, talks, and networking with international theatre makers.
- Alumni Network: Fellows join the ITI Academy alumni network to maintain long-term international links.
Application Fee
No Entree fee.
Application Requirements
- Motivation Letter (max. 1 page): Addressing questions such as, What do you hope to gain? How does your practice relate to social issues? What can you contribute to the Academy Week?
- ITI Connection Statement (max. ½ page): Describe your current or past involvement with ITI (or NEAP), if any.
- Artistic CV / Biography (max. 1 page): Including relevant experience.
- Work Samples: Up to 5 pages or links (digital images, text, audio, video) with brief descriptions
How to Apply
Send the application as a PDF by email to: academy@iti-germany.de.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
- Notification Date: Invitations are sent out end of January 2026; final announcement mid-February 2026.
- Preparatory Online Meetings (3): Between March and June 2026.
- Residency / Fellowship Dates: 21 June – 28 June 2026 (ITI Academy Week).
Location
Berlin and Chemnitz, Germany
Additional Details
- Participation is mandatory for the full duration: Fellows must attend the entire in-person week (21–28 June) plus the three online preparatory meetings.
- Accessibility: The German ITI centre is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They particularly encourage applications from emerging artists who may face structural barriers (e.g., due to displacement, economic challenges).
- Venue constraints: Not all spaces during the Academy Week are fully wheelchair accessible, but the organizers will try to accommodate individual needs.
- Language: The working language is English.
- Alumni Community: After the fellowship, participants will be integrated into the ITI Academy’s global alumni network, fostering long-term relationships and collaborative opportunities.
Website Link: https://www.iti-germany.de/en/meeting-exchange/iti-academy-lab
