Organizer Information
SubScena is a non-profit partner project of the Autonomous Cultural Centre Attack and the Cirkorama Association, realized at AKC Medika in Zagreb. AKC (Autonomous Cultural Centre) has operated since 1997 as a non-partisan, non-profit association supporting Croatia's independent cultural scene through festivals, alternative concerts, film and theater production, and educational programming, and has run the AKC Medika socio-cultural centre — housed in a former factory building — since 2009. Past editions of the SubScena open call state that the program has received support from bodies including the City of Zagreb, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, the Kultura Nova Foundation, and the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, though the current source text does not repeat this funding-source list for the 2027 cycle.
Title & Description
SubScena — Open Call for Theatrical, Performance and Hybrid Art Projects, 2027
SubScena, dedicated to theatrical, performance, and hybrid art, is accepting applications for its 2027 performance and residency program. The project aims to affirm and interconnect avant-garde and experimental artists from Croatia, the region, and internationally, regardless of genre, style, or period, while developing experimental public-development strategies and a contemporary artistic discourse. It supports original performance, dance, circus, and theatrical styles, and connects diverse avant-garde practices through local, regional, and international productions, coproductions, guest performances, and residencies.
The program is specifically oriented toward supporting emerging performance groups and artists working to overcome geographical, national, religious, gender, and ethnic divides in their collaborations and productions. By offering a production, collaboration, and presentation space to resident and visiting artists, SubScena aims to empower the independent DIY and underground performance scene in Croatia and beyond, and to support artistic research, new performance modes, and open public discussion.
Categories
- Theatre
- Performance
- Choreography
- Dance
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Residency
- Multimedia
- Hybrid
Eligibility
- Open to performance artists innovating via avant-garde and experimental practices
- Open to individual artists and groups/collectives
- Open to Croatian, regional, and international applicants
- Oriented toward emerging performance groups and artists working across geographical, national, religious, gender, and ethnic lines
- No formal educational-background requirement stated
- Applicants must apply via the correct form for their submission type (Performances or Residency — two separate application links are provided)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Accommodation within AKC Medika
- Accommodation for guest performers
- Travel expenses: up to €200 per individual artist
- Travel expenses: up to €500 per group
- Light designer and technician provided
- Sound designer and technician provided
- Stage manager provided
- Test public/critique sessions during new productions
- Public presentation opportunity
- Rehearsal and performance venue access
- Technical education
- Video and photo documentation of the performance
- Promotion through social media, mailing lists, posters, and online portals
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application — two separate forms depending on submission type:
- Performances: https://forms.gle/hSEgRcygQXFx4rXbA
- Residency: https://forms.gle/2WjbFfCqd9f6sCB79
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 August 2026
Location
AKC Medika, Pierottijeva 11, Zagreb, Croatia
Additional Details
- Following the selection period, selected artists/groups are included in a production plan submitted to cultural funding bodies for programs realized in 2027, which is how program funds are acquired and distributed — meaning final confirmation of support may depend on the outcome of that funding application
- Further information on the organizers' work is available via Instagram (@akc.attack) and the SubScena Facebook page