Open Call: Studio Residency Program for Performing Arts

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

Workspacebrussels is inviting Belgian and international artists working in the performing arts to apply for its studio residencies in Brussels. The programme provides artists with dedicated space and resources to support research, experimentation, and artistic creation. The residency is designed for artists developing new projects in areas such as dance, performance, theatre, and interdisciplinary practices. It encourages innovative and experimental approaches while providing artists with opportunities to work within a professional artistic environment. Selected projects receive one to two weeks of studio space, with the possibility of multiple residency periods depending on availability. Artists also receive a flat fee of €750 including VAT to cover travel expenses and lunch.

About the Workspacebrussels Studio Residencies

The Workspacebrussels studio residency programme provides Belgian and international performing arts artists with time and space to develop their creative projects. The initiative supports artistic processes at different stages, including research, experimentation, and creation. Rather than focusing exclusively on finished productions, the programme recognizes the importance of allowing artists to explore ideas and test new approaches. Workspacebrussels collaborates with different partners to provide access to studio spaces at several locations throughout the year. Purpose of the Residency The residency aims to create an environment where artists can explore new ideas and develop innovative artistic practices.

Key objectives include:

- Supporting artistic research. - Encouraging experimentation. - Providing space for creative development. - Supporting new performing arts projects. - Encouraging interdisciplinary practices. - Connecting artists with professional artistic spaces. - Supporting Belgian and international artists. - Providing opportunities to develop work before presentation or production. Who Can Apply? The open call is intended for artists working in the performing arts in the broad sense.

Eligible artistic practices include:

- Dance. - Performance. - Theatre. - Cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects. Both Belgian and international artists can apply. The programme is intended for artists whose proposed projects can benefit from dedicated studio time for research, experimentation, or creation. What Types of Projects Are Eligible? The residency supports projects connected to the performing arts and encourages innovative and experimental approaches. Applicants can propose projects that involve: - Artistic research. - New performance concepts. - Dance development. - Theatre research. - Performance experimentation. - Interdisciplinary artistic practices. - Creative experimentation. - Early-stage artistic development. The proposed project should demonstrate why studio residency time is useful for its development. Projects That Are Not Eligible Certain projects are excluded from the open call.

Projects are not eligible when they:

- Are aimed exclusively at children’s audiences. - Operate solely within circus. - Operate solely within visual arts. - Operate solely within music. Projects combining disciplines may be eligible when they have a meaningful connection to the performing arts. How Long Is the Residency? Selected projects receive access to studio space in Brussels for approximately one to two weeks. Depending on availability, a project may receive multiple residency periods. This arrangement allows some projects to return for additional periods of research or development during the year. Studio Locations and Partner Spaces Workspacebrussels collaborates with different partners to provide artists with access to studio spaces at various locations. This means that residency space may be available in different venues and locations rather than being restricted to one permanent studio. Several weeks of studio availability are offered throughout the year, except during the summer and winter breaks. Technical Equipment The studios are not fully technically equipped. However, basic equipment may be available in some spaces, depending on the location.

Possible equipment can include:

- Sound systems. - Microphones. - Projectors. Applicants should therefore consider their technical requirements when developing their residency proposal and should not assume that all equipment will be available at every studio. Accommodation for International Artists Artists or team members coming from abroad may be able to access overnight accommodation. Accommodation is offered through the guesthouse and is subject to availability. International applicants should consider this provision when planning their residency but should not assume that accommodation is automatically guaranteed. What Financial Support Is Available? Each selected project receives a flat fee of €750 including VAT.

The fee is intended to cover:

- Travel expenses. - Lunch. The flat-fee model provides basic financial assistance while the main residency benefit remains access to studio space and associated support. Communal Lunches Residents are invited to participate in communal lunches. These gatherings can provide opportunities for artists to meet other residents, exchange ideas, and develop connections within the broader artistic community. The communal environment supports informal interaction alongside the artists’ individual studio work. On-Site Library Residents also have access to the on-site library. The library is regularly expanded based on suggestions from residents, allowing the collection to develop in response to the interests and needs of artists using the workspace. This resource can support artistic research and creative development during the residency. Research, Experimentation and Creation The residency is structured around three important stages of artistic development: research, experimentation, and creation. Artists can use the studio period to explore ideas, tes