„This time, it wasn't a word that began things, but two images: a quadriga as a symbol of power and the game known in German as „Journey to Jerusalem.“. What is power? How is it demonstrated and negotiated? And Who has a place in the room, or is expelled from it? And what do belonging and membership have to do with it?
In the tension between these two poles, we went into research in the studio. A new journey of discovery with Alfred Quarshie and Tamara Rettenmund, both long-time dancers with the FORWARD DANCE COMPANY, the guest dancer Shmuel Dvir Cohen and the choreographer Ofra Idel. Two and a half weeks of work confronted us with ourselves and showed us that what is created in the studio is not detached from the world.“
Gustavo Fijalkow, Artistic Project Manager of FORWARD DANCE COMPANY
The results of this research will be in the context of DANCE | MODERN | DANCE Festivals I September 18, 2026 presents.
Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Funded by the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism. This institution is co-financed by tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.
Funded by the Chemnitz City Cultural Space. This measure is co-financed with tax funds based on the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament.
DANCE | MODERN | DANCE – Choreographic Centre Chemnitz
TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ invites choreographers and professional dance artists to apply for its 2026 Residency Programme in Chemnitz, Germany.
As part of the development of the Choreographic Centre, DANCE | MODERN | DANCE offers artists time, space, and support to research new choreographic ideas and develop existing artistic approaches and explore new forms of collaboration. For 2026, one residency will be awarded, lasting approximately three weeks.
The residency program is intended as a space for artistic research, choreographic development and international exchange. The main aim is not necessarily the completion of a finished production, but the focused development of an artistic question, working method, or choreographic project. Selected artists will be given the opportunity to research and rehearse in Chemnitz. Depending on the nature and stage of the project, the residency may conclude with a public sharing, work-in-progress presentation, workshop, artist talk or another format public interaction.
Work developed during the residency may also be presented as part of the TANZ | MODERN | DANCE Festival 2027 or another public program of the Choreographic Center.
Who Can Apply
The call is open to professional choreographers, dance artists, artistic teams, and companies based in Germany and internationally. We welcome applications involving:
contemporary choreographic and performative practices,
urban dance styles and breaking,
interdisciplinary projects,
site-specific and participatory approaches,
intergenerational or socially engaged projects,
dance education and community dance,
projects addressing accessibility, inclusion, aging, the body, memory or social participation,
projects exploring new relationships between dance, urban society, and public spaces space
Applications can be submitted by individual artists, teams, or companies. For group applications, the application should clearly state which artists will be present at Chemnitz during the residency. The residency program is open to artists at various career stages. However, applicants should already have experience creating and presenting their own choreographic or artistic work.
What We Offer
The residency includes:
free use of a suitable rehearsal space in Chemnitz for the duration of the residency
a one-time residency or artist fee of € 2,400 for the choreographer/project lead
a one-time artist fee of €2,250 each for up to three (3) additional artists
coverage of travel and accommodation costs for the choreographer/project Lead and up to 3 additional artists for the duration of the residency
organizational and dramaturgical support
Support in connecting with local and regional partners
communication and documentation of the residency
the possibility of a public sharing, workshop, or discussion format
if appropriate, the possibility of presenting the project as part of the TANZ | MODERN | DANCE Festival 2027.
The available spaces and technical possibilities will be discussed with the selected candidate. Artists. Extensive stage or technical equipment cannot be guaranteed.
Expectations of Resident Artists
Selected artists are expected to:
be present in Chemnitz throughout the agreed residency period
work independently and openly
engage in exchange with the TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ team and the local dance and cultural community
Make the working process visible through an appropriate public format.
provide text, photographic, and, where possible, video material for communication and documentation
agree to reasonable photographic or video documentation of the residency
Submit a short written reflection or documentation after the residency. Depending on the project, a workshop, audience discussion, or other outreach Activity can also be agreed upon.
Application Requirements
Applications may be submitted in English or German and should include the following:
Project Description A maximum of three pages outlining the artistic idea, central question, working Method and planned activities during the residency.
Letter of Motivation A residency in Chemnitz offers a unique opportunity for artists and researchers to engage with a city undergoing significant transformation. Chemnitz, with its rich industrial heritage, is actively reinventing itself, embracing innovation and cultural regeneration. This dynamic environment provides a fertile ground for creative exploration.
The city's history as a major industrial center, particularly in engineering and textiles, has left a tangible mark on its urban landscape and cultural identity. Disused factories and industrial sites are being repurposed for new uses, creating spaces that are both historically resonant and open to contemporary artistic intervention. This interplay between the past and the future is highly relevant for artists interested in themes of industrial decline, urban renewal, material culture, and post-industrial societies.
Chemnitz was also a European Capital of Culture candidate, a process that spurred a wave of cultural initiatives and fostered a vibrant local arts scene. This legacy continues, with numerous galleries, studios, and cultural organizations actively participating in and supporting artistic endeavors. A residency here allows for immersion in this burgeoning cultural ecosystem, offering opportunities for collaboration with local artists, engagement with the public through workshops and exhibitions, and access to a supportive network.
Furthermore, Chemnitz's location in Saxony provides a strategic base for exploring the broader cultural and historical landscape of eastern Germany. The region is characterized by its own distinct narrative of societal change and cultural development, offering a valuable comparative context for artistic and research projects.
For artists working across disciplines – visual arts, performing arts, writing, design, and research – Chemnitz presents a compelling setting. The city's accessible size allows for deep integration and meaningful engagement with its communities and its physical environment. The lower cost of living and access to studio spaces can also be significant practical advantages, enabling artists to focus intensively on their work.
In conclusion, a residency in Chemnitz is relevant due to its potent blend of industrial history and forward-looking urban development, its active and evolving cultural scene, and its unique position within the broader context of eastern German transformation. It offers a space for critical reflection, creative experimentation, and the creation of impactful work that engages with pressing contemporary themes. to the project's development.
Working Plan and Schedule A brief outline of the proposed working process, including preferred and possible residency dates.
Short Biography or CV From the Artistic Director.
Work Samples Up to three links to videos, images, or other documentation of previous work. Please submit accessible links instead of large files and include passwords where applicable. required.
Preliminary Budget An overview of anticipated costs, materials, and any technical requirements.
Technical and Spatial Requirements A brief description of the required space, floor type, technical equipment, and any other specific needs.
Access Requirements Applicants are welcome to include any accessibility requirements they may have. application process, travel, accommodation, or participation in the residency. Please submit all application materials as one PDF file with the subject line: “Residency Application 2026 – Name / Project Title” Applications should be sent by 09/15/2026, 00:00 (GMT + 2) to: tanzbuero@tanzmodernetanz.eu
considered. considered.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel consisting of representatives from DANCE | MODERN DANCE | DANCE and, where applicable, external experts. The selection will be based on the following criteria:
Artistic quality and originality
Clarity and relevance of the artistic question
importance of the residency for the development of the project
feasibility within the available timeframe and budget
potential for exchange, networking, or engagement with the local community
Technical and spatial feasibility in Chemnitz.
Applicants will be informed of the decision by the end of September. 2026. There is no legal entitlement to selection or funding.
Diversity, Participation, and Accessibility
TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ aims to reflect the diversity of contemporary dance and artistic practice. We explicitly welcome applications from artists of different cultural and social backgrounds, ages, gender identities, physical abilities, and artistic perspectives. We particularly encourage applications from artists who experience discrimination or exclusion within the cultural sector, including artists with disabilities and chronic illnesses or specific access requirements, as well as Black artists, Indigenous artists, and Artists of Colour.
If the standard written application format presents a barrier, please contact us at advance. Alternative application formats, such as audio or video, may be considered by prior arrangement.
Information
Questions regarding the open call may be submitted by August 31, 2026, to:
Adrian Wanliss tanzbuero@tanzmodernetanz.eu
About DANCE | MODERN | DANCE
DANCE | CONTEMPORARY | TANZ connects artists, dance professionals, and audiences from Chemnitz, Germany, and the international dance community.
Through festivals, residencies, workshops, discussions, and programs for various generations, the initiative strengthens the independent dance sector and creates new spaces for choreographic development, artistic exchange, and cultural participation. The Choreographic Center is being developed as a space for research, production, professional development, networking, and presentation. It forms part of the TANZ | MODERNE | DANCE Center in Chemnitz, supported by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land- Bund.
Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Funded by the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism. This institution is co-financed by tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.
Funded by the Chemnitz City Cultural Space. This measure is co-financed with tax funds based on the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament.
As part of the DANCE | MODERN | DANCE Festival 2026, choreographer Nitsan Margaliot invites children aged 3 to 6 to his imaginative dance performance „Wonderland“ein. Inspired by colors, shapes, and movement, a playful and immersive world full of sound, curiosity, and discovery is created. Together with two dancers, sculptural costumes transform into vibrant images that take children on a journey of imagination and wonder.
Date: 09/19/2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Ballet stage at the Chemnitz Opera House
As part of the DANCE | MODERN | DANCE Festival 2026 (September 16–20, 2026)
Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Funded by the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism. This institution is co-financed by tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.
Funded by the Chemnitz City Cultural Space. This measure is co-financed with tax funds based on the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament.
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