Open Call: Delegation Trip to the 2026 Edition of the Rodeo Theater and Performance Festival

Independent Performing Arts – Berlin Meets Munich!

As part of FestivalFriends and with the goal of sustainably networking the independent performing arts communities in Munich and Berlin, we are making it possible for four Berlin-based producers, artists and curators from the independent performing arts community to attend Rodeo Theater and Performance Festival in Munich from October 9 to 13, 2026.

About Rodeo Theater and Performance Festival

Since 2010, rodeo has been part of Munich’s independent performing arts scene. Taking place every two years, the festival offers insights into the diversity of Munich’s dance and performance scene, creates opportunities for exchange and networking among local and international artists, sets new artistic impulses and engages with current cultural policy issues. Since 2022, the festival has been organized by HochX and Theater und Live Art München e.V. The 2026 edition will take place under the theme “Holding Ground” and will present a selection of ten productions.

About FestivalFriends

FESTIVALFRIENDS is a network of festivals in the independent performing arts in Germany, currently comprising 12 member festivals. Rodeo Festival is a member of FestivalFriends, as is the Performing Arts Program Berlin, which is part of the network through the festival. The network brings together regional perspectives, fosters exchange between festival makers and artists, and connects them across Germany within the independent performing arts community.

About the Delegation Trip

As part of Rodeo Festival’s visiting program, participants from Berlin will gain insights into Munich’s independent performing arts community and have the opportunity to sustainably expand their networks and strengthen future working relationships and collaborations between the two cities. Together with participants from other cities, they will attend performances and take time to exchange ideas about the themes and aesthetics encountered during the festival. Alongside attending the 2026 festival program and discussing the productions presented, a key focus of the trip is the targeted networking of the independent performing arts communities in Berlin and Munich.

A detailed schedule of events for the trip will be announced to the selected participants in due course. A mandatory requirement for participation is availability during the entire period of the delegation trip (October 9–13, 2026).

Application Criteria

Who Is This Open Call Intended For?

Berlin-based artists with production responsibility, curators as well as production managers who are interested in establishing cooperations with members of Munich’s independent performing arts community can apply.

What Will Be Covered?

The travel and accommodation costs as well as tickets for performances during the festival will be covered by the Performing Arts Program Berlin.

What Should Be Submitted?

For the application, we ask you to please send us a CV in PDF format (without a photo) as well as a statement of motivation (max. 850 characters (including spaces)) that expresses a specific interest in exchanging with Munich’s independent performing arts community. Please answer the following questions:

• Why is attending the festival in Munich important for you and your work?
• What specific goals are you pursuing in establishing cooperations and collaborations with Munich’s independent performing arts community?

You are welcome to submit your statement of motivation in text or audio form! When preparing your statement of motivation, please note the following length and format requirements:

• Text: max. 850 characters (including spaces), as a PDF file
• Audio: 1 to 3 minutes, as an .mp3 or .wav file

Important Notes:

• If you choose the audio option, the requested formats (.mp3 or .wav) must be used. Files submitted in other formats cannot unfortunately be considered. Submitting a portfolio of selected works is optional.
• The representation of the diversity of society within our structures is our goal. We therefore expressly invite representatives of marginalized perspectives to apply.
• Everyone who would like to join the trip must be available for the entire period of the delegation trip (October 9–13, 2026). A shorter period of participation will only be considered in cases with very compelling reasons.
• You can find all information on accessibility at RODEO Festival 2026 on following website: https://rodeofestival.de/barrierefreiheit/