NRW KULTURsekretariat and tanz NRW festival launch TANZRECHERCHE x SPRUNGBRETT, a research grant that gives artists the opportunity to immerse themselves in a research topic or develop and test new artistic formats. The program emphasizes process-oriented working methods and investigative practice in a specific local context, and combines the international research program Tanzrecherche NRW with support for emerging talent through the tanz nrw festival.

The call is divided into two categories: Call 1 is reserved for early-career artists from North Rhine-Westphalia, while Call 2 is open to international choreographers and dance artists from abroad. The residency lasts two weeks, from April 26 to May 10, 2027, in Wuppertal or Essen with the respective festival partners, for one to two people. Participants receive dramaturgical advice, organizational support, and access to the venue's resources.

Following the residency period, participants take part in the tanz nrw 27 festival from May 12 to 23, 2027. The program covers a research grant of 5000 EUR per residency, travel costs, accommodation during both the residency and festival periods, as well as a documentation and materials budget by agreement.

• Who can apply: International choreographers and dance artists based outside North Rhine-Westphalia (Call 2), as well as early-career artists from North Rhine-Westphalia (Call 1). Applicants based in Norway may apply under Call 2.
• Field of culture: Performing arts (dance, choreography, performance)
• Covered / paid out: Research grant of 5000 EUR per residency, travel costs, accommodation costs during residency and festival period, dramaturgical advice and organizational support, as well as documentation/materials budget by agreement.
• You pay yourself: No costs specified
• Application deadline: 03.11.2026
• Place: Wuppertal or Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Organizer: NRW KULTURsekretariat / tanz nrw festival