Organizer Information
LAKE Studios Berlin is an interdisciplinary center for dance research, choreography, and performance located in Berlin, Germany. Established as a hub for artistic experimentation and collaboration, LAKE Studios provides professional movement artists with accessible rehearsal and performance spaces, residencies, and platforms for exchange. The organization emphasizes inclusive practices, accessibility, and professional development for artists working across diverse
dance and performance backgrounds. Its annual SUBMERGE Festival serves as a flagship program, combining workshops, performances, and dialogue to foster exchange between choreographers, performers, and audiences, and to explore innovative approaches to contemporary dance and movement practices.
Title & Description
SUBMERGE: Getting Into the Work, Vol. 8 – Dance, Choreography & Performance Festival
From August 24 to September 20, 2026, LAKE Studios Berlin will host the eighth edition of the SUBMERGE
Festival, a platform designed to celebrate artistic exchange, experimentation, and solidarity within the field of contemporary dance and performance. The festival combines intensive Choreographer’s Labs—two-day workshops led by participating artists—with public performances, creating a dynamic environment where professional artists can share their creative processes and methods.
For the 2026 edition, LAKE Studios Berlin is seeking 2–4 finished performance works from diverse dance backgrounds. Selected works should range between 20 and 60 minutes and will be presented in double bills alongside other chosen pieces. Artists are required to conduct a two-day workshop during the festival, offering insight into the creative development of their work to other professional movement artists. SUBMERGE Festival fosters accessibility and inclusion, with wheelchair-accessible and barrier-free studio spaces. This open call focuses on works for adult audiences, as programming for children has already been secured.
This opportunity emphasizes collaboration, professional visibility, and hands-on exchange. It is ideal for
choreographers and performers who wish to showcase completed work while contributing to the broader artistic community through teaching and discussion.
Categories
- Dance
- Choreography
- Performance
- Interdisciplinary / Movement-based Practices
Eligibility
- International artists may apply.
- Artists based in Berlin are preferred for at least one main collaborator if not Europe-based.
- Submissions are open to professional dance artists with finished works; emerging or mid-career artists are welcome.
- Works should target adult audiences (children’s performances are not being considered in this call).
Program Benefits & Awards
- Choreographer’s Labs Workshop: €500 for one facilitator, €800 for two facilitators (5 hours/day for two days).
- Performance Fee: €380 per artist.
- Technical Support: Light and technical assistance provided for performances.
- Professional Documentation: Video and photos of the performance.
- Publicity & Promotion: Inclusion in festival marketing and program materials.
- Childcare Support: Available during workshops and performances.
- Accessibility Support: Provided as needed.
- Studio Access: 8 hours of studio time available in July or August for preparation.
- Travel & Accommodation: International artists may receive support with travel costs and on-site accommodation if needed.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form (available for download on the festival website).
- Portfolio or documentation of the finished performance work.
- CV or biography of the artist(s).
- Description of the work and proposed workshop plan.
- Materials may be submitted in English or German.
How to Apply?
Submit completed
form and required materials via email to:
submerge@lakestudiosberlin.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
- Notification of Results: Approximately 2 weeks after the deadline
- Festival Dates / Performance Dates: August 24 – September 20, 2026 (specific performance slots: August 24, September 7, or September 14)
Location
LAKE Studios Berlin, Berlin,
Germany
Additional Details
- The festival emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, offering barrier-free studios.
- Selected artists are expected to actively engage with participants during workshops and contribute to the collaborative festival environment.
- One selected project can be Europe-based, while remaining works require at least one collaborator based in Berlin.
- Artists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the festival’s vision and structure prior to applying.
- Selection is made by a three-person jury, with details to be announced on the festival website.
