Common Grounds – A Get-Together Examining National and International Collaboration in the Independent Performing Arts

National and international relationships are a central aspect for the future of the independent performing arts – they sharpen perspectives, support creative processes and strengthen artistic quality. In times in which these connections are facing new challenges, we are pleased to invite you to attend a two-day get-together and give some a first look at the programming.

Things kick off on Monday, May 11 (from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm) with the symposium – Political Framework Conditions for National and International Collaborations in the Performing Arts. Which cultural policy goals is the EU following in light of persistent crises, how does it support international exchange and what does this mean for Berlin’s independent performing arts community? Where are old or new obstacles to international collaboration found and what could strategies to combat these challenges look like?

Keynote presentations by Dan Thy Nguyen (curator, artist) and Elena Polivtseva (Culture Policy Room) will deal with current challenges and the cultural policy framework conditions. Over the course of panel discussions and other conversation formats, colleagues from associations such as the Italian network Coordinamento delle Realtà della Scena Contemporanea (C.Re.S.Co), the European network eaipa – European Association of Independent Performing Arts, the Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e.V. (the German Federal Association of the Independent Performing Arts, BFDK), the ITI – International Theater Institute and Kulturní a kreativní federace České republiky (Cultural and Creative Federation of the Czech Republic) will enter into conversation with the participants about specific programs, cultural policy strategies and funding opportunities. Representatives from the administration and funding institutions will provide insights into current and upcoming funding opportunities and reflect upon which political decisions would be necessary to secure national and international relationships in the performing arts.

On the second day, Tuesday, May 12 (from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm), the questions raised in the meetings and discussions will be translated into specific encounters and into opportunities to get to know Berlin-based artists and groups during the 2026 edition of the Berlin Performing Arts Market. Following the motto "Show Your Art, Pitch Your Heart", the focus is placed on the creation and maintenance of relationships between curators and artists. Moderated by Olympia Bukkakis and Maria F. Scaroni, 15 artists and groups from Berlin’s independent performing arts community will present their current work and productions: ABA NAIA, Alvin Collantes, Carlos Aller & Cecilia Bartolino, Chicha Express, Eli Simić-Prošić & Lisa Marie Stojčev, Erratum (Sascha Cowan & Hadrien Daigneault-Roy), Jäckie Rydz, Juribonke, Katrina E. Bastian, Markus&Markus, Núria Frías Corrius, Post Paradies, Shlomi Moto Wagner (House of Mazeltov), Thesmo Kollektiv, Triority Circus.

In addition, national and internationally acctive festivals and platforms such as dFERIA – Performing Arts Fair, Festival Off Avignon, Impulse Festival, Selected Works Festival (Det Frie Felts), WIPCOOP as well as additional participants will introduce their work and present opportunities for cooperation over the course of short pitches. Representations of networks such as Netzwerk Freier Theater, Netzwerk Spielorte Brandenburg, produktionsbande and and other alliances will be present at information tables and invite everyone interested to speak with them and network.
 

Schedule of Events – Symposium Political Framework Conditions for National and International Collaborations in the Performing Arts

May 11, 2026

10:30 am
Greeting and Introduction
In English spoken language
With Frido Hinde (LAFT Berlin – Landesverband freie darstellende Künste Berlin e.V.) and Sarah Stührenberg (the Berlin Performing Arts Program)
 

10:40 am
Presentation: Why Work Internationally? Benefits and the Necessity of International Exchange and Cooperation
In English spoken language
With Dan Thy Nguyen (fluctoplasma festival)

International work opens new perspectives, strengthens artistic and organizational competencies and expands the room for artists and culture makers to act. In a time of increasing political globally and throughout the EU as well as political polarization, national and international exchange becomes more a strategic tool than ever before: it promotes understanding, creates broad networks and strengthens the resilience of artists and culture makers. This presentation demonstrates why international cooperation is not only creative enrichment, but also an essential answer to political challenges and the changing framework conditions of European cultural policy.

11:00 am
Presentation: Positioning – Current Structures and Political Framework Conditions for the Performing Arts in the European Union
In English spoken language
With Elena Polivtseva (Culture Policy Room)

What do current conditions for the production of art and culture look like on the EU level and what does this mean for Berlin-based artists and culture makers? This presentation provides on orientation on the current cultural policy developments within the European Union. The focus will be placed on the structural prerequisites, political priorities and financial framework conditions that shape cultural production and international collaboration. It will look at how funding landscapes are changing, which strategic goals the EU is following and what effects this has on the everyday practice of artists and culture makers in Berlin. In doing so, challenges such as bureaucratization, fluctuating funding and political tension will be discussed as will opportunities for stronger networking, resilience and long-term planning security.

11:30 am Coffee Break
 

11:45 am
Panel Discussion: Cooperation Under Pressure – Political Barriers and Opportunities for National and International Networks in the Performing Arts
In English spoken language

National and international networks, cooperations and alliances allow mobility, the transfer of knowledge and joint development of discursive as well as artistic perspectives beyond local and national borders. National and international networks and cooperations have been established and maintained for decades and form an important foundation for the exchange between countless artists and culture makers worldwide. The conditions, however, for this collaboration are changing noticeably. Increasing costs, uncertain funding structures as well as bureaucratic challenges are making it harder to maintain and expand these alliances. At the same time, political tensions, different cultural policy priorities and an unequal sharing of resources are influencing the opportunities for sustainable collaboration.

This panel discussion will bring together representatives from the fields of art, academia and advocacy to discuss current challenges and structural barriers. Together, they will discuss which framework conditions are shaping national and international cooperations today –  and which strategies, alliances as well as cultural policy approaches are necessary in order to secure long-term collaboration within the performing arts.

With Annemie Vanackere (HAU Hebbel am Ufer), Elena Polivtseva (Culture Policy Room), Dan Thy Nguyen (fluctoplasma festival), Francesca D’Ippolito (C.Re.S.Co., Frame the Gap), Ralf R. Ollertz (composer, cie. Toula limnaios), Paul Hess (Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e.V.). Moderated by: Amélie Baasner (journalist, Beyond Media Europe)

1:15 pm to 2:30 pm Lunch Break and Table Conversations

2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Short Presentations and Deep Dives: Examinations, Studies, Programs and Cultural Policy Strategies

#1: European Culture Policies – Culture Compass and Advocacy Training
In German or English spoken language as needed
With Christian Keller and Ulrike Kuner (eaipa – European Association of Independent Performing Arts)

Proceeding from the Cultural Compass for Europe, we would like to speak together about we will accomplish the establishment of important issues and new ideas for better framework conditions for independent performing arts community. What soft skills do we need, what knowledge and in what form can we become active? Together, we will create a collection of knowledge and experience for how we can use advocacy work and on which levels, local, national, European, in the best and most efficient ways possible.

#2: Presentation of the Project Frame The Gap of the assocation C.Re.S.Co | Coordinamento delle Realtà della Scena Contemporanea
In English spoken language
With Chiara Baudino, Martina Tomaino and Francesca D’Ippolito (C.Re.S.Co)

Frame The Gap is a project dedicated to the internationalization of the contemporary performing arts community, supported by Fondazione Cariplo and developed in dialogue with the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.  By analyzing the sector’s needs through focus groups and a questionnaire for performing arts professionals, the project has produced a position paper addressed to institutions and sector stakeholders, outlining key challenges and recommendations for strengthening international cooperation. In this working session, the project team provides a detailed insight into the project and its outcomes as well as its challenges. Together, we will discuss the project’s methodology and reflect on possible future strategies for internationalization based on the project’s findings.

#3: After the Program Verbindungen Fördern (Promoting Connections) – How to Keep Working?
In German or English spoken language as needed
With Cilgia Gadola (Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e.V.)

One thing is clear after the end of the funding program Promoting Connections: there is a need for a sustainable, nationwide structural funding, in the long-term. In this deep dive session, Cilgia Gadola, co-managing director of BFDK, provides us with insight into the current state of considerations of what a program can look like. She will share central approaches and questions that are still open and will then invite us to take part in a shared exchange, think things further and develop new ideas.

#4: Between Activism and Advocacy: Improving Working Conditions Through State Cultural Policy (Cultural and Creative Federation of the Czech Republic)
In English spoken language
With Žaneta Vávrová, Jakub Bakule, Katarína Kalivodová (Kulturní a kreativní federace, Czech Republic)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Czech cultural and creative sector negotiated one of the highest percentages for culture within the EU national recovery programs. This also included binding goals for improving working conditions. However, after the pandemic, collective representation faded and implementation remained behind expectations. This deep dive session will provide a unique Czech perspective on advocacy and representation rooted in political science as a ground for discussion.


#5: Shaping Crossroads - A Peer-to-Peer Exchange Program for Intercontinental Mobility and Cultural Cooperation Between Africa & Europe
In English spoken language
With Felix Sodemann (International Theater Institute ITI Germany), Joshua Alabi (artist, director)

How can collaborations between European and African artistic partners be re-shaped to create forms of exchange that have a long-lasting impact? Drawing on our experiences from the Shaping Crossroads fellowship program, we will share the thoughts we have gathered and the outcomes of our research and – together with you – collect new thoughts on what truly defines good collaborative work. In doing so, we will reflect on how to navigate systemic injustices and colonial legacies while addressing both structural challenges – such as visa policies and funding structures – and the interpersonal and communicative aspects that shape every partnership.

4:30 pm Break

5:00 pm
Presentation and Panel Discussion Funding and Financing of National and International Collaborations for Berlin’s Independent Performing Arts Community – Gaps, Opportunities and Outlook
In German spoken language with simultaneous interpretation to English

National and international work requires resources: alongside time and perseverance, these are primarily financial means.  For guest performances, more time, additional workers, travel and accommodation expenses, possible translation and interpretation costs, insurance and a large number of additional production costs must be considered in the budget. Even without going on tour with your own work, the maintenance and expansion of relationships is time-intensive and frequently requires other work processes that cannot be completed without additional resources.

After the discontinuation of a number of funding programs, the following question has become urgent: what funding structures and funds are available for Berlin-based artists in order to network nationally and internationally and establish themselves in the long-term beyond Berlin? How can existing gaps in funding be improved? And what political decisions are necessary in order to achieve this?

With Felix Sodemann (International  Theater Institute ITI Germany) and in a panel discussion with  Barbara Gessler (director of the German delegation to the EU Commission), Holger Bergmann (Fonds Darstellende Künste), Walter Heun (Nationales Performance Netzwerk) and other guests.

Moderated by: Béla Bisom (transmissions – culture | finance | management)

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Language
A large part of the programming of the symposium on May 11 will take place in English spoken language, some discussion formats will take place in German spoken language. Simultaneous interpretation (German/English) is being planned. Simultaneous interpretation (German/English) will be available for the symposium on May 11.

The 2026 edition of the Berlin Performing Arts Market on May 12 will take place in English spoken language; simultaneous interpretation is not being planned for this day.

Accessibility
The events will take place at ZK/U – Zentrum für Kunst und Urbanistik (Siemensstraße 27, 10551 Berlin). The hall, terraces and conference rooms are barrier-free. Access is possible via a ramp on the northern side as well as an elevator. An accessible restrooom is located on the ground floor.
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The programming of the symposium has been created in cooperation with Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e.V (the German Federal Association of the Independent Performing Arts, ITI – International Theater Institute and eaipa – the European Association of Independent Performing Arts.