Open Call: Working Visit to YPAM and Theatre Commons

When: 7 to 14 February 2027 (excluding two travel days)
Where: Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan
Who: Artists and organisations* working in dance, performance or theatre
Working language: English
Application deadline: 4 October, 23:59 (CEST)

To the application form

* A maximum of one person per company or collective may participate. This person must submit the application form. Agents and management agencies are not eligible to apply.

The mandatory group programme runs from 7 to 14 February 2027.

• 7 to 12 February: participation in the YPAM Exchange programme in Yokohama.
• 12 to 14 February: visit to Theatre Commons in Tokyo.

YPAM takes place from 5 to 14 February 2027, and Theatre Commons from 12 to 23 February 2027. Participants will shape part of their own programme. The joint programme organised by the Fund and the Dutch Embassy takes place from 7 to 14 February and attendance is mandatory. Participants may extend their stay before or after this period at their own expense.

During this working visit, you will meet fellow artists, programmers and other performing arts professionals from around the world, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia.

As part of YPAM, you will take part in artistic exchanges through the YPAM Exchange programme, attend panel discussions and performances, and participate in receptions and networking events.

Participants are responsible for arranging and booking their own travel and accommodation, shaping their own programme and scheduling their own meetings. The Fund and the Embassy will organise several networking activities, for which participation is mandatory. If selected for a testing room, you will independently organise your contribution within YPAM.

Alongside YPAM, participants will also attend the opening days of Theatre Commons in Tokyo. The programme includes performances, a reception and an artistic gathering. After the visit, participants are required to submit an evaluation.

This programme is a collaboration between the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tokyo, YPAM in Yokohama, Theatre Commons in Tokyo and Fonds Podiumkunsten.

• Registration for YPAM (covered directly by Fonds Podiumkunsten).
• Access to a number of programme activities and networking events organised by the Fund and the Embassy during YPAM and Theatre Commons.
• A maximum contribution of 2,000 euros per person towards travel, accommodation and subsistence costs in Tokyo and Yokohama. Participants are responsible for making their own arrangements and bookings. For participants based in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, the maximum contribution is 2,700 euros.
• The opportunity to apply for a testing room. Selection is not guaranteed and is made by the YPAM team. Please note that testing rooms are explicitly not pitching sessions.

More information about the testing rooms can be found on the YPAM website.

• Are professionally active in dance, performance or theatre.
• Have at least 10 to 15 years of professional experience in dance, theatre or performance.
• Have international ambitions.
• Live in the Netherlands or in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba.
• Hold travel and accident insurance with worldwide coverage.
• Are available to participate in the programme for at least eight days, excluding two travel days. Applicants who cannot attend for a minimum of eight days are not eligible for participation.

If you have any access requirements or need support to participate, please let us know in your application. We are happy to explore the possibilities with you.

Please note that extending your stay is possible, but any additional costs must be covered by the participant.

Would you like to take part in this visit and do you meet the requirements? Please complete the application form.

You may submit either:

• A written motivation in English (maximum one A4 page), or
• A video motivation in English (maximum two minutes, excluding presentation material).

Please submit only one of these options.

If you would like to propose an idea for a testing room, please include a short description in English of no more than half an A4 page. You should also include an English-language CV and, if relevant, a link to your website.

Applications can be submitted until 4 October, 23:59 (CEST).

In consultation with YPAM, a maximum of eight participants will be selected. Selection will be based on, among other things, the applicant’s motivation, their international ambitions in relation to the YPAM network, and the overall balance of the group.

Submitting an idea for a testing room is not a selection criterion.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome within one week after the deadline. The visit will take place provided that at least six participants are selected.

Please contact Anja Krans at a.krans@performingartsfund.nl.