Open call: Goethe-Institut International Coproduction Fund

IKF supports co-productions worldwide that grow out of collaborative and dialogue-based working processes in the fields of music, dance, theatre and performance art. IKF uses this fund to promote innovative productions and international cultural exchange as well as new approaches to intercultural collaboration and networking.

Conditions for funding

The funding is intended for professional performing artists, ensembles and initiatives in Germany and non-German-speaking countries in the fields of theatre, dance, music and performance art with insufficient means of their own to realise an international co-production. IKF particularly welcomes applications for funding from developing and transition countries.

Who is funded

IKF provides funding for international co-productions that are likely to be of high artistic calibre and to have some impact on the respective arts scene. Hybrid and interdisciplinary formats and the use of digital media may be important elements of these co-productions. Collective artistic development of the project is a prerequisite, which is the reason IKF doesn’t provide funding for projects that involve nothing but guest performances, tours or appearances at festivals.

Funding criteria

• The projects for which funding is requested must centre on the performing arts (no exclusively film- or exhibition-based projects).
• Calibre of the project
• Standing of the participating artists in their performing arts scene.
• Budget showing own/third-party funding and a sound financial plan.
• Balanced project partnership, artistic collaboration.
• At least one performance outside of Germany and, if possible, in Germany, too.
• Project period should not exceed 24 months.

Required documents

• Applications to the International Coproduction Fund must be submitted online in English.

Note: Proof of contact with the respective Goethe-Institut abroad must be provided for the application.

Information about the application process

The applicant or first co-producer must be an artist or ensemble from a non-German-speaking country. They are to serve as the main contact for the project, conclude the agreement with the local Goethe-Institut and manage the grant money. The applicant may be an individual or a legal entity (company, association, etc.).

IKF funding requires collaboration between at least two parties, one of whom must be an artist or ensemble from Germany. Involving third parties and other co-producers is not a prerequisite for coproduction funding, but does improve the applicant’s chances of obtaining a grant. Contacting the local Goethe-Institut in the applicant’s country is an obligatory requirement for submitting a funding application. If there is no Goethe-Institut in the applicant’s country, applicants should search for the nearest institute on the Goethe-Institut website under locations and contact colleagues there.

Incomplete and late project applications will not be considered. For enquiries about pending or previous applications, applicants should provide their application numbers.

Applications process

For 2024, it is possible to submit applications throughout the year. The application portal will be opened until 1 September 2024 and applicants can submit their applications here. Funding will be available for projects that start in 2024 and have a project duration of a maximum of 24 months.

Read the blank application form here, which provides an overview of the breakdown of the online form. Applicants should also read the explanatory notes and run down the checklist before submitting your application. Additionally, after introducing the project idea to the local Goethe-Institut abroad, this form should be completed, signed and submitted with the application.

Note: Project applications must be submitted at least three months before the start of the project.

An online tutorial will be held on 10 July from 10am to 11am and on 12 July from 5pm to 6pm CET to answer questions about the application process. Interested artists and cultural professionals can register by sending an email to [email protected].

View the original call here.