Dance Research NRW - call

Dance Research NRW is expressly not production-related. Since its introduction in 2009, the programme has offered the opportunity for in-depth exploration of specific themes and the development of artistic working methods. The focus is on interdisciplinary and transcultural research.

Tanzrecherche & Sprungbrett - offers a research grant that enables an in-depth exploration of a research topic or the development and testing of new artistic formats. The focus is on promoting process-oriented working methods and exploratory practice within a specific local context.

Tanzrecherche & Sprungbrett - combines the international research programme Tanzrecherche NRW (Dance Research NRW) run by the NRW KULTURsekretariat with the support for emerging artists provided by the tanz nrw festival. This collaborative initiative brings international inspiration to North Rhine-Westphalia, facilitates research residencies within professional structures and strengthens exchange with the North Rhine-Westphalian dance scene.

Detailed information for applicants look here.

Applications may only be submitted via the Google Form at this link.

Application deadline: 03 November 2026

Applicants
- should demonstrate a concrete connection to NRW in their research plans
- seek to engage with local contexts and their actors
- have their place of residence and main area of work outside Germany
- undertake to be personally present on site throughout the entire residency period and to participate in the festival.

What is offered
- Research grant of 5,000 euros per residency
- a two-week residency in Wuppertal or Essen at the respective festival partners, for one to a maximum of two persons
- use of the venue’s resources (spaces, technical equipment – subject to availability)
- dramaturgical advice and organisational support
- an exchange format at the respective residency location and, where applicable, a public conversation with the grant recipients as part of tanz nrw 27 (no stage performances)
- coverage of travel costs calculated in accordance with the NRW State Travel Expenses Act (2nd class train travel, Economy Class flights, etc.)