Open Call 2026: Zones of Reciprocity (Singapore)

Deadline: 13-Sep-2026

The 136 GOETHE LAB Open Call 2026, titled “Zones of Reciprocity,” invites Singapore-based cultural practitioners, collectives, and civil society actors to develop collaborative artistic or transdisciplinary projects exploring reciprocity and communal practices. Selected projects will receive up to SGD 16,000 in project funding, free use of the 136 GOETHE LAB space, and a 4–5 month residency between January and September 2027.

About the 136 GOETHE LAB Open Call

The 136 GOETHE LAB Open Call is an annual initiative of the Goethe-Institut Singapore that supports cultural experimentation, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange. The 2026 edition focuses on the theme “Zones of Reciprocity.” It encourages applicants to examine how reciprocal relationships and communal practices can be created, negotiated, expressed, or celebrated through artistic and transdisciplinary approaches. The programme provides a platform for Singapore-based practitioners to collaborate with regional or international partners and present their work to the public in Singapore. What Is the “Zones of Reciprocity” Theme? The 2026 theme explores the ways people build relationships through mutual exchange, cooperation, care, participation, and shared responsibility.

Projects may examine reciprocity through:

- Artistic collaboration and collective practices. - Community participation and engagement. - Social and civic relationships. - Cultural exchange between Singapore and international or regional partners. - Participatory performances and events. - Installations and experimental artistic formats. - Dialogue-based and research-oriented practices. - Urgent or overlooked social and cultural issues. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that move beyond conventional artistic presentation and actively engage communities, audiences, or collaborators. What Support Is Available? Selected projects can receive financial and practical support from the Goethe-Institut Singapore.

The support includes:

- Up to SGD 16,000 in project funding. - Rent-free use of the 136 GOETHE LAB project space during the residency. - A residency period of approximately 4 to 5 months. - Opportunities to present work publicly in Singapore. - Opportunities for collaboration with regional or international partners. - Potential engagement and co-programming with the Goethe-Institut’s cultural department. Applicants may also obtain funding from other external sources. Any additional external funding must be disclosed to the Goethe-Institut Singapore. What Types of Projects Are Eligible? The open call welcomes artistic and transdisciplinary projects that meaningfully engage with reciprocity and communal practices.

Possible formats include:

- Multidisciplinary performances. - Art installations. - Participatory artistic projects. - Community-based events. - Public programmes. - Dialogue and discussion formats. - Experimental cultural practices. - Transdisciplinary research and artistic projects. - Projects combining artistic, social, civic, or cultural approaches. Proposals should include multiple public-facing elements at the 136 GOETHE LAB space. Who Is Eligible?

The opportunity is open to:

- Singapore-based cultural practitioners. - Singapore-based artists and creative practitioners. - Cultural collectives based in Singapore. - Civil society actors based in Singapore. - Singapore-based cultural organisations. Applicants must include regional or international collaborators in their proposed project. Collaborators are expected to be physically present in Singapore for some components of the project where required. The programme is therefore particularly relevant to Singapore-based applicants who already have international or regional creative networks or who are able to establish meaningful collaborative partnerships. Key Eligibility Requirements Applicants should ensure that their proposal meets the core requirements of the programme.

The project should:

- Be led by a Singapore-based cultural practitioner, collective, or civil society actor. - Include regional or international collaborators. - Address the “Zones of Reciprocity” theme. - Include several public-facing elements at 136 GOETHE LAB. - Have a realistic implementation plan. - Be feasible within the proposed residency period. - Demonstrate meaningful artistic, cultural, or civic relevance. - Allow for potential co-programming with the Goethe-Institut’s cultural department. Residency Period and Project Location Selected projects will be presented at the 136 GOETHE LAB project space in Singapore. The residency will last approximately 4 to 5 months and is scheduled to take place between January and September 2027. The residency provides selected applicants with a dedicated space to develop and present their projects without paying rent for the LAB space during the supported period. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a clear proposal explaining how their project responds to the theme and how it will be developed and presented at 136 GOETHE LAB.

Step 1: Develop the Project Concept

Create a strong project concept addressing reciprocity and communal practices.

Explain:

- What the project is about. - Why the topic is important. - How reciprocity will be explored. - Who will participate. - What artistic or transdisciplinary methods will be used. - What public outcomes are expected.

Step 2: Identify Collaborators

Applicants must work with regional or international collaborators.

The proposal should clearly explain:

- Who the collaborators are. - Their role in the project. - Why their involvement is important. - How cross-cultural exchange will contribute to the project. - When collaborators will be physically present in Singapore.

Step 3: Plan the Public Programme

The project should contain multiple public-facing elements at 136 GOETHE LAB.

These could include:

- Performances. - Exhibitions or installations. - Workshops. - Public discussions. - Community activities. - Participat