Tanzhaus Zürich is the production house for the region’s contemporary choreographic work.
Apart from supporting newcomers, we establish long-term, reciprocal relationships and cultivate existing partnerships with artists. Defining the scope and nature of these partnerships is part of the joint process between the artists and the Tanzhaus Dramaturgy Pool. We call this model of collaboration the accomplices model. Through the proximity created in this way, the artists actively participate in shaping the Tanzhaus program: productions, residencies, research, workshops, discursive formats, coaching of our newcomer platform Show-Off, working in the dramaturgy pool.
When
The accomplices model was developed in light of the new funding system of City of Zurich Culture (German only) and in discussion with a number of diverse artists. It took effect at the beginning of 2024 and will initially run until the change of management in mid-2026.
Why
The new model is intended to reduce production pressure and provide more space for research, reflection and exchange. A further aim is to increasingly carry the artists’ topics out into society.
We aim to cooperate closely with around eight to twelve accomplices (individual artists or groups) and their networks for a maximum of two years.
Who
The Tanzhaus Zürich accomplices
- are clearly rooted in a of Zurich-based community,
- pursue their own choreographic signature and/or movement practice,
- have collaborated with Tanzhaus Zürich before (residency, Show-Off, associated festival),
- are interested in developing a reciprocal relationship with Tanzhaus Zürich,
- work out of a personal, social and/or aesthetic urgency.
Apart from these main criteria, it is important to us that the accomplices share the values of Tanzhaus Zürich. Further integral components of the cooperation are outlined here.
In the first two rounds, these artists were chosen as accomplices, starting in 2024.
What
In addition to research time, Sharings or smaller performances and the development of new formats, the accomplices can each realize one larger stage production. Collaborations among the accomplices as well as with other institutions are explicitly desired and supported by Tanzhaus.
Under the new model, Tanzhaus will continue to co-produce local festivals, which are curated externally, however.
We will also continue to create pieces for young audiences under the label Tanzhaus young. Since this segment is very important to us, accomplices who produce both for adults as well as children and young people can create one production per segment if they wish.
Next steps
Artists who are interested in becoming Tanzhaus accomplices can apply – most probably for the last time under the current Tanzhaus direction – via email by September 1, 2024. The selection is made by Catja Loepfe (Director Tanzhaus Zürich), Simon Froehling (Head of Dramaturgy & Deputy Artistic Director) and the Tanzhaus dramaturges Jessica Huber and Lea Moro. If necessary, external experts are consulted.
The application should consist of
- a letter of motivation of maximum one page, showing why a collaboration with Tanzhaus Zürich is desired,
- a maximum two-page outline of the plans until mid-2026 (research, stage projects, new formats),
- possible cooperation partners,
- possible formats and measures in the areas of inclusion and accessibility,
- a budget sketch including the desired Tanzhaus contribution (note: for stage productions, Tanzhaus can only award production funds to the amount of the former City of Zurich Culture production contributions, plus evening),
- a CV – and
- if possible, links to past works.
Please stick to the specifications regarding page numbers.
We also accept applications in the form of video or audio recordings, whereby the recording quality does not play a role. Please note that the motivation part should not exceed two minutes and the outline of the project should not exceed four minutes. The remaining points should also be kept short.
Artists are welcome to contact Catja Loepfe and Simon Froehling by email for an informal meeting (ideally on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon) to clarify any questions.
The decisions of the Dramaturgy Pool will be communicated within one month of the application deadline.
The fine print
The accomplices model is an attempt to respond to the changing funding situation in Zurich as well as the needs of the local scene as expressed in discussions with various artists. We will continuously analyze the model and reserve the right to adapt it at any time.
