THE OPEN CALL FOR APPLICATION IS CLOSED!
Apply now to co-curate Theater of The World 2026 in Chemnitz!
Deadline 9 June 2024
Germanys most important international performing arts festival 'Theater der Welt' (Theatre of the World) will take place in 2026 in the City of Chemnitz. The Festival Academy is honoured to be partnering with Die Theater Chemnitz and the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025, together with the German Section of the International Theatre Institute to redefine the boundaries of festival curation. We are delighted to announce a unique opportunity for curators from The Festival Academy’s/ITI Academy’s Alumni community:
We are jointly calling for experienced curators to apply for co-curating Theater der Welt 2026. We are searching for curators who are committed to the transformative power of the arts and who are interested to be part of an innovative approach to curation.
The curational approach we envision with ‘Theatre of the World 2026 in Chemnitz - A Festival of the International Theatre Institute (ITI)’ is based on our belief in the power of collective imagination. In a world increasingly defined by boundaries, divisions, and singular narratives we need counter-stories to be told. Our approach is a statement of art's capacity to transcend borders and to create dialogue. We aim to provide a platform for artists from underrepresented regions from all around the globe to share their narratives.
We call for curators who are not just adept in the arts but also visionary in their commitment to equity and inclusivity. The enivsioned curational process demands a collaborative spirit in a team that weaves together the threads of the main themes of partnership, equality, sustainability, interdisciplinarity, and digitality into a coherent narrative for the festival to activate art’s potential for transformative change. The main artistic disciplines are Opera, Drama, Dance, Puppetry, and Children/Youth with a focus on transdisciplinary works.
The European Capital of Culture Chemnitz, die Theater Chemnitz and The Festival Academy believe that festivals are bridging platforms through which we can create connections that remind us of our collective humanity. Theater der Welt 2026 Chemnitz wants to be an invitation to curators, artists, as well as audiences to explore, to embrace, and to celebrate our shared human experience.
What is it about?
Collective Curation: For the first time in history, 'Theater der Welt' will be curated by single individuals working in a collective artistic team consisting of 6 to 8 curators from all continents out of TFA/ITI Alumni community.
Capacity Building: 6 to 8 selected curators with individual perspectives will design the festival in a process of knowledge exchange and respect for differences. The Festival Academy, Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 and Die Theater Chemnitz will support this process with an intensive 2-year capacity-building program for the curators selected which includes peer learning, mentoring, and networking.
Innovation and Equity: The partners are committed to innovative and equitable models of curation. We aim to change dominant narratives, amplify voices from underrepresented regions, and counter authoritarianism and divisive narratives. The geographic focus of the curation is inclusive and fully global.
Global Community: We aim to activate our global community of curators and further strengthening connections with this long-term collaboration.
New Curatorial Models: We are interested in exploring new curatorial models, including curating from within the regions, respecting sustainable traveling, and embracing multiple perspectives.
Make sure to apply till 9 June 2024!
Find the application form here!
Find a preview of the application form here.
If you have any questions or inquiries about the project, please don’t hesitate to contact us via fabiola@thefestivalacademy/ info@thefestivalacademy.
Selection Process
Selection Committee: The applications will be reviewed by the selection committee of ‘Theater der Welt 2026’, consisting of Stefan Schmidtke, Christoph Dittrich, Inge Ceustermans (the festival board of management)
Phases: The selection process will take place in phases. Step 1: 12 candidates will be shortlisted, followed by individual interviews. Step 2: final selection of 6 to 8 curators.
Timeline
6 May 2024 - Official launch of call for applications
9 Jun 2024 - Deadline for applications
Jun/Jul 2024 - Evaluation of applications, selection process
Mid Nov 2024 - Announcement of final selection
End Nov 2024 - Kick-off with partners and curatorial team
Nov 2024 - Jun 2026 – Co-curation process, capacity building trainings including mentoring
Jun/Jul 2026 – ‘Theater der Welt 2026 Chemnitz’ festival
Who is eligible to apply?
- You are an Alumni of The Festival Academy or of the ITI Academy
- You are located in one of the following regions: North America, South America, Western, central and Southern Africa, Europe, Swana region, South East Asia, and Asian islands, Australia and Oceania
- You have 3-5 years of experience in curation, practical festival work and deep knowledge and understanding of the arts
- You are fluent in written and spoken English
What is your role as a curator?
- You will make individual artistic decisions regarding your discipline/geographical area
- You will develop the festival’s artistic program from your perspective and contribute to a collective process with other curators from around the globe (in the following referred to as “the curatorial team”), supported by experts from The Festival Academy, the ECOC Chemnitz 2025 artistic team and Die Theater Chemnitz.
- You will curate within the festival's main themes and across five different disciplines.
- You will prepare a showcase of the most talented voices from your region (number of artworks to be fixed in the structuring process of preparation).
- You will oversee the process of scouting and recruiting artists in your region.
Selection criteria
Global Perspective: You have an understanding of global issues and aesthetics in the performing arts worldwide, and your network covers a diversity of voices and disciplines.
Expertise of region: You have an in-depth knowledge of the region you are working in.
Vision: You have a unique vision for the festival that aligns with the main themes of 'Theater der Welt 2026'.
Diversity and Inclusivity: You are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the festival.
Collaboration: You have a strong ability to collaborate effectively with fellow curators, artists, partners, and stakeholders.
What do we offer?
1. Capacity Building:
We offer you a 2-year upskilling, networking, and mentoring process. A comprehensive capacity-building program that includes individual and collective guidance:
- You will have an individual mentor of your own choice (proposed by The Festival Academy, Capital of Culture experts, or by your own) who you can meet on own demand, minimum 2 times a year in 1,5 hrs sessions
- Tailor-made group coaching
- Participation in online sessions and alumni meetings
- Tailor-made programs to enhance your skills
- In-person and online meetings with the curatorial team
- Participation in 1 in-person activity of The Festival Academy (a Global Atelier, Festival Study Visit, Alumni Meeting or similar)
- Group meetings in Chemnitz (visit of city of Chemnitz and the Theatres of Chemnitz)
2. International Mobility (travel, accommodation, visa costs):
- Travel costs to announced TFA activity, by invitation (with per diem)
- Travel costs to announced group meetings in Chemnitz, by invitation (with per diem)
- Travel costs in regions for research and scout work (a specific budget will be developed for each curator individually)
3. Payment:
A fee for curatorial work (fees will be tailor-made individually, a conversation about this will be part of the selection process – a fair pay will be delivered taking into account the operations in the home country as well as when travelling internationally) Please note: This opportunity is a freelance and a task-based assignment with a fixed fee. No employment! No full-time job! Individual assessment based on individual profile and curatorial assignment to be decided together with the team.
Other benefits
Community Building - Strengthen your connections within a global festival community.
Upskilling - Sharpen your skills and gain hands-on experience in curation.
Innovative Curation - Experiment with new models of collective curation.
Strengthen your unique voice - Give a platform and visibility to artists from your region and boost international collaborations.
Global Storytelling - Showcase stories from a diversity of regions on an international stage.