Applications open for International Coproduction Fund (IKF)

Deadline: 12-Oct-2026

The International Coproduction Fund (IKF), established by the Goethe-Institut, supports new international artistic collaborations between artists or groups based outside Germany and German partners. Grants range from €15,000 to €30,000 and can cover up to 75% of eligible production costs for collaborative projects in music, theatre, dance, and performance. International Coproduction Fund (IKF) Overview The International Coproduction Fund (IKF) supports innovative, dialogue-based artistic collaborations between international artists and German partners. The programme focuses on creating new artistic works and developing existing productions through international cooperation. It encourages intercultural exchange, artistic experimentation, and the development of sustainable international networks. The fund is particularly relevant to professional artists and arts organisations seeking to collaborate with German partners on productions that combine different artistic perspectives, cultural contexts, and creative approaches. What Does the International Coproduction Fund Support? The IKF supports collaborative projects in the following artistic fields: Projects using digital media as part of their artistic approach Projects can involve the creation of entirely new productions or the further development of existing artistic works. The collaboration should be based on genuine artistic dialogue and mutual interest between the international and German partners. Why It Matters International artistic collaboration can provide artists with access to new creative networks, audiences, production expertise, and cultural perspectives. The IKF is designed to strengthen these connections by supporting projects that: Encourage intercultural artistic exchange. Develop innovative artistic processes. Create new networks between international and German artists. Promote dialogue between different cultural and artistic contexts. Produce high-quality artistic work with public impact. Encourage interdisciplinary and digitally supported approaches. The programme therefore supports not only the production itself but also longer-term international cooperation within the performing arts sector. Funding Available Successful projects can receive between €15,000 and €30,000. The grant can cover up to 75% of total production costs. Other costs directly connected with producing the artistic work Applicants must provide a realistic financing plan showing how the remaining project costs will be covered.

The financing plan may include:

Applicant’s own funds Contributions from other funders Third-party funding In-kind contributions Applicants should therefore not assume that the IKF grant will cover the entire project budget. Who Is Eligible? The fund is intended for professionally active artists, artistic ensembles, and organisations whose main place of residence and work is outside Germany.

Eligible applicants may be:

Individual professional artists Artistic groups or ensembles Arts organisations Other eligible legal entities working professionally in the performing arts Applicants must collaborate with a German artistic partner or organisation. The international applicant must generally be based outside Germany. Austria and Switzerland are excluded from the eligible international applicant countries under this programme. German Partnership Requirement A central requirement of the IKF is the collaboration between an international artist or group and a German partner.

The partnership should be:

Collaborative rather than purely contractual. Based on mutual artistic interest. Dialogue-oriented. Relevant to the development of the proposed work. Structured around meaningful artistic exchange. The German partner should therefore have an active role in the artistic development or production rather than simply providing a venue or logistical service. Project Requirements To qualify for support, proposed projects should meet the programme’s artistic and international cooperation objectives.

Key requirements include:

The project must involve an eligible artist or group based outside Germany. A German artistic partner must be involved. The project must demonstrate genuine international collaboration. The proposal should have strong artistic quality and public relevance. The project should involve the creation of a new production or further development of an existing work. At least one public performance must take place outside Germany. Where possible, the project should also be presented in Germany. A sound and realistic financing plan must be provided. The international presentation requirement is particularly important because the fund seeks to support international artistic exchange rather than projects intended solely for German audiences. What Types of Projects Are Not Eligible? The IKF does not generally support projects that fall outside its coproduction and performing arts objectives.

Ineligible activities include:

Purely commercial projects. Commissioned works without the required coproduction structure. Exhibition projects without a performative element. General operating or ongoing organisational costs. Applicants should clearly demonstrate that the proposed activity is an international artistic coproduction, rather than a tour, residency, commissioned work, or standard performance engagement. How the International Coproduction Fund Works Applicants should approach the application as a collaborative production proposal rather than simply requesting financial assistance.

Step 1: Develop the Artistic Concept

Define the artistic idea, the creative objectives, and the intended outcome.

Explain:

What will be created or developed? Why is international collaboration important? What makes the project artistically innovative? How will the participating artists influence each other’s work?

Step 2: Establish the German Partnership

Identify a suitable German artist, ensemble, institution, or arts organisation. The