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.

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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.

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.