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TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ – 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, TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ
offers artists time, space and support to research new choreographic ideas, develop
existing artistic approaches and explore new forms of collaboration. For 2026, 1 residency will be awarded, lasting approximately three weeks.

Application deadline: September 15th 2026
Residency period: October/November
Location: Chemnitz, Germany

About the Residency Programme

The residency programme 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 form of
exchange with the public.

Work developed during the residency may also be presented as part of the TANZ |
MODERNE | TANZ Festival 2027 or another public programme of the Choreographic
Centre.

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 forms and breaking,
• interdisciplinary projects,
• site-specific and participatory approaches,
• intergenerational or socially engaged projects,
• dance education and community dance,
• projects addressing accessibility, inclusion, ageing, the body, memory or
  social participation,
• projects exploring new relationships between dance, urban society and public
  space
  

Applications may be submitted by individual artists, teams or companies. For group
applications, the application should clearly state which artists will be present in
Chemnitz during the residency. The residency programme is open to artists at different stages of their careers. Applicants should, however, 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
• organisational 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 |
  MODERNE | TANZ Festival 2027.

The available spaces and technical possibilities will be discussed with the selected
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 may also be agreed.

Application Requirements

Applications may be submitted in English or German and should include the
following:

1. Project Description
   A maximum of three pages outlining the artistic idea, central question, working
   method and planned activities during the residency.
2. Letter of Motivation
   A maximum of one page explaining why a residency in Chemnitz would be relevant
   to the development of the project.
3. Working Plan and Schedule
   A brief outline of the proposed working process, including preferred and possible
   residency dates.
4. Short Biography or CV
   From the artistic director.
5. Work Samples
   Up to three links to videos, images or other documentation of previous work.
   Please submit accessible links rather than large files and include passwords where
   required.
6. Preliminary Budget
   An overview of anticipated costs, materials and any technical requirements.
7. Technical and Spatial Requirements
   A brief description of the required space, floor type, technical equipment and any
   other specific needs.
8. Accessibility Requirements
   Applicants are welcome to include any accessibility requirements related to the
   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 15.09.2026, 00:00 (GMT + 2) to:
   tanzbuero(at)tanzmodernetanz.eu

Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline may not be
considered.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel consisting of representatives of
TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ 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 approximately 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, chronic illnesses
or specific access requirements, as well as Black artists, Indigenous artists and
Artists of Colour.

Should the standard written application format present a barrier, please contact us in
advance. Alternative application formats, such as audio or video, may be considered
by prior arrangement.

Information

Questions concerning the open call may be submitted until 31.08.2026 to:

Adrian Wanliss
tanzbuero(at)tanzmodernetanz.eu

About TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ

TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ connects artists, dance professionals and audiences from
Chemnitz, Germany and the international dance community.

Through festivals, residencies, workshops, discussions and programmes for different
generations, the initiative strengthens the independent dance sector and creates
new spaces for choreographic development, artistic exchange and cultural
participation.
The Choreographic Centre is being developed as a space for research, production,
professional development, networking and presentation. It forms part of the TANZ |
MODERNE | TANZ Centre in Chemnitz, supported through TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-
Bund.

Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.