Fonds Podiumkunsten Open Call working Visit to Italy, 6-11 March 2026

Do you create theatre or dance for young audiences aged 0-6, and are you interested in international exchange and collaboration? From Friday 6 to Wednesday 11 March 2026, we are organizing a working visit to Italy. We will attend Focus on Kids by Teatro Gioco Vita (Piacenza) and Festival Visioni (Bologna). Six professionals will have the opportunity to take part in an inspiring programme filled with performances, meetings, and knowledge exchange with Italian and international colleagues. Interested? Apply now.

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In short
When: Programme from 7-10 March 2026 (6 and 11 March are travel days)
Where: Italy
Language: English
Focus: Theatre or dance for audiences aged 0-6

Go directly to the application form

About the working visit

As a participant, you will attend (international) performances during the two festivals Focus on Kids (Piacenza) and Festival Visioni (Bologna). You will meet fellow makers and exchange knowledge and experience on topics such as:

Creating (artistically) for the youngest audiences

Dramaturgy

Educational and participatory activities

These activities, specifically organised for the (Dutch) participants, are hosted by ATER Fondazione (Piacenza) and Festival Visioni.

Because both festivals are also aimed at professional audiences, you will additionally meet Italian and international programmers in youth performing arts. After the visit, participants will write a short evaluation report.

This programme is a collaboration between the Performing Arts Fund NL, ATER Fondazione, Festival Visioni and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rome.

Who can apply?

We are looking for candidates (m/f/x) who:

Are professionally active as a maker or company creating work for young audiences (with a focus on ages 0-6);

Have an existing international practice or international ambitions;

Are living and working in the Netherlands or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands;

Are available for the full programme period (7-10 March 2026, travel on 6 and 11 March).

Participation is not possible if you cannot attend the full programme.

A maximum of one participant per organisation may take part.

If you require any form of support in order to participate, please let us know. We are happy to discuss options.

What we offer

A curated programme including meetings with Italian makers and companies, performance visits, and exchanges with programmers;

Reimbursement of travel costs from your place of residence (Netherlands or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom) to Piacenza and Bologna and back. Only economy flights and/or 2nd class train travel are reimbursed. Participants book and pay for their travel in advance themselves;

Accommodation: 2 nights in Piacenza and 3 nights in Bologna, including breakfast;

Several group meals, plus a contribution for other meals;

Tickets for performances and organised activities;

Guidance from a staff member of the Fonds and/or the Dutch embassy.

Not included

Extending your stay beyond the programme dates;

Personal travel and accident insurance;

Personal expenses outside the official programme.

Selection

A maximum of six participants will be selected. The selection committee includes the director of Festival Visioni and a representative of ATER Fondazione. Applications are assessed on the match between the maker and the international context of the festivals, with attention to a balanced group composition. You will be informed of the outcome no later than 15 December 2025.

How to apply

Would you like to take part and do you meet the criteria? Please complete the application form .
You may choose to submit either:

A written motivation in English (max. 1 A4), or

A video motivation in English (max. 2 minutes, no performance footage).

Submit only one of these.
Include an English CV and a link to your website.
Applications are open until 1 December 2025, 17:00 CET.

Background

The Performing Arts Fund NL (Fonds Podiumkunsten) promotes international exchange by supporting cross-border collaborations, presentations abroad, and activities that raise the international visibility of Dutch performing arts. Building an international practice requires time and personal connections. This working visit aims to support that process.

Questions?

Do you have questions about this open call?
Until 17 November, please contact Anja Krans at a.krans@performingartsfund.nl.

From 17 November to 1 December, please contact Babs van Lieshout at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Rome: babs-van.lieshout@minbuza.nl.