The Performing Arts Fund NL regularly organises visitors’ programmes for international programmers and other professionals in the field. During these programmes, they become acquainted with Dutch makers and the performing arts offer in the Netherlands. The aim is to build new connections and increase international touring opportunities for Dutch makers.
In May 2026, we support three visitors’ programmes: O. Festival, Circusstad Festival Rotterdam and SPRING Performing Arts Festival.
O. Festival
From 25 to 28 May, O. Festival, with support from the Fund, organises an International Visitors Programme. Around twenty international programmers will come to the Netherlands to get to know Dutch music theatre.
During the programme, they attend performances and meet makers and professionals from the field. There are also networking sessions and presentations by both emerging and established makers. The programme includes performances and presentations by, among others, Club Gewalt, Paul Boereboom, Pensive Vivifier & Het Muziek, Amanda Payne, Dyane Donck and Naomi Velissariou.
Circusstad Festival Rotterdam
Circusstad Festival Rotterdam takes place this year from 29 April to 3 May. From 30 April to 2 May, the festival hosts more than fifty international guests. They represent venues, circus festivals and producers, mainly from neighbouring countries.
During their visit, they attend performances and get to know Dutch makers. They will see work by, among others, Tall Tales Company, Michael Zandl/Korzo, and Goos Meeuwsen and Helena Bittencourt.
On Friday 1 May, the international guests will take part in discussions with these makers and other Dutch artists, such as Emilie Weisse, Hous of Circus and Monki Business. They exchange experiences and discuss their practice and future plans. On 2 May, they attend the conference Take Care, which focuses on (mental) health and circus.
SPRING Performing Arts Festival 2026
As in previous editions, SPRING Performing Arts Festival 2026 features a strong selection of work made in the Netherlands alongside international productions. From 21 to 23 May, a programme centred on this work will take place, featuring, among others, Dries Verhoeven, Boukje Schweigman, Anthony van Gog, Ashley Ho + Domenik Naue and Alaa Minawi.
On 23 May, the festival organises a networking brunch with support from the Fund. International programmers meet Dutch makers from the festival and discuss their practice. Other artists connected to the festival also take part. Festival director Grzegorz Reske provides the introduction and places the programme in context.