Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Danish Arts Foundation supports international performing arts activities for smaller theatres, independent artists, and performing arts groups to strengthen Denmark’s global artistic presence. It provides up to DKK 100,000 per project for touring, guest performances, residencies, collaborations, and international networking activities. The programme does not fund production costs and excludes large institutional theatres.
Overview of the Programme
The Danish Arts Foundation international performing arts programme is designed to strengthen the global reach of Danish performing arts. It supports artistic exchange, collaboration, and mobility rather than production-based creation.
The focus is on enabling Danish artists and organisations to engage in international contexts and build long-term cross-border artistic relationships.
Core Purpose and Objectives
The programme promotes high-quality performing arts through international engagement.
Key Objectives
- Promote high artistic quality in Danish performing arts internationally
- Strengthen international visibility of Danish-produced performing arts
- Support artistic exchange and cultural collaboration
- Develop long-term international partnerships
- Enable mobility for artists and performing arts groups
- Encourage research and networking for co-productions
- Facilitate global knowledge sharing in performing arts
Supported International Activities
The programme funds a wide range of non-production international activities.
Eligible Activity Types
- International guest performances
- Touring of existing productions
- Site-specific performances adapted to international contexts
- Participation in international workshops as speakers
- Hosting international artists or guests in Denmark
- International residencies
- Networking and research for future collaborations
- Co-production development activities
Funding Details
The programme provides targeted financial support for international activity expansion.
Grant Information
- Maximum funding: Up to DKK 100,000 per project
- Updated limit: Increased from previous DKK 75,000 cap
- Funding purpose: International activity (not production)
Important Funding Restriction
- Funding does NOT cover production of performances
- Projects supported are not automatically eligible for the Refund Scheme
- Applicants must apply separately for production funding
Eligible Applicants
The programme supports smaller and independent performing arts actors.
Eligible Entities
- Smaller theatres
- Performing arts groups
- Independent performing artists
- Performing arts operators
- Collaborative artistic initiatives
Ineligible Entities
- Large institutional theatres, including:
- The Royal Danish Theatre
- Danish regional theatres
- Jutland Opera
- Copenhagen theatre association member theatres
Project Eligibility Rules
Applications must meet strict timing and purpose requirements.
Eligible Conditions
- Must focus on international performing arts activity
- Must be led by eligible performing arts organisations or individuals
- Must involve collaboration, exchange, or mobility
Ineligible Conditions
- Projects already started before application deadline
- Activities for individual educational purposes
- Pure production or staging projects
- Institutional theatre-led applications
Key Programme Priorities
The funding scheme prioritises long-term artistic and international development.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Sustainable international collaborations
- Artistic exchange and mobility
- Development of co-productions
- Strengthening global performing arts networks
- Knowledge exchange through workshops and residencies
- Expansion of Danish performing arts abroad
Why the Programme Matters
This funding scheme plays a key role in internationalising Danish performing arts.
Key Impact Areas
- Expands global visibility of Danish artists
- Builds long-term international partnerships
- Strengthens cross-border cultural collaboration
- Supports artistic experimentation in global contexts
- Enhances professional development through exchange
- Encourages sustainable international touring ecosystems
How the Programme Works
The application and funding process focuses on international artistic value and feasibility.
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants must provide:
- Description of international activity
- Artistic concept and objectives
- Partner organisations or host institutions
- Budget and funding requirements
- Timeline and implementation plan
- Expected artistic and cultural outcomes
Step 2: Eligibility Review
Applications are checked for:
- Applicant eligibility (small/independent performing arts sector)
- Compliance with international activity focus
- Confirmation that project has not started
- Budget alignment with funding rules
Step 3: Artistic and Strategic Evaluation
Applications are assessed based on:
- Artistic quality and innovation
- Strength of international collaboration
- Relevance to performing arts development
- Potential for long-term partnerships
- Feasibility of execution
- Contribution to Danish performing arts visibility
Step 4: Funding Decision
- Grants awarded up to DKK 100,000 per project
- Funding allocated based on merit and programme priorities
Step 5: Implementation Phase
- Execution of international activities
- Participation in tours, residencies, or exchanges
- Engagement with international partners and audiences
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be rejected due to structural or eligibility errors.
Frequent Issues
- Applying for production funding instead of international activity
- Submitting already started projects
- Involving ineligible large institutional theatres
- Weak international collaboration planning
- Lack of clear artistic or mobility outcomes
- Treating programme as general education funding
Best Practices
- Clearly define international engagement purpose
- Emphasise mobility, exchange, or collaboration
- Include strong partner organisations abroad
- Show feasibility of touring or residency plans
- Focus on artistic innovation and cross-cultural value
FAQs – Danish Arts Foundation International Performing Arts Grants
1. What is the purpose of this programme?
It supports international performing arts activities such as touring, residencies, collaborations, and cultural exchange involving Danish artists.
2. How much funding is available?
Each project can receive up to DKK 100,000.
3. Does the programme fund production costs?
No, it does not fund production of performances or new artistic works.
4. Who can apply?
Small theatres, independent performing artists, performing arts groups, and operators involved in international performing arts activities.
5. Are large theatres eligible?
No, major institutions like The Royal Danish Theatre and regional theatres are not eligible.
6. Can already started projects apply?
No, projects must not have begun before the application deadline.
7. What types of activities are funded?
Touring, guest performances, residencies, international workshops, co-productions, and artistic exchanges.
Conclusion
The Danish Arts Foundation international performing arts programme is designed to expand the global reach of Danish artistic practice through mobility, collaboration, and cultural exchange. By supporting non-production international activities such as touring, residencies, and partnerships, it strengthens both artistic development and Denmark’s cultural presence worldwide.
For more information, visit Danish Arts Foundation.