News

Tanzhaus Zürich is the production house for contemporary choreographic works in the region. In 2024, under the artistic direction of Catja Loepfe, the accomplices model was developed as a response to the new funding system of Stadt Zürich Kultur. Starting with the 2026/2027 season, Lisa Letnansky and Guillaume Guilherme will take over the direction of Tanzhaus Zürich and continue the accomplices model in an adapted form.

Accomplices

With the accomplices model, Tanzhaus Zürich establishes long-term, reciprocal relationships and maintains partnerships with both emerging and established artists on an equal footing. The scope and form of collaboration are defined as part of a joint process between the artists and the Tanzhaus team. Through this close working relationship, artists actively shape the Tanzhaus program: productions, residencies, sharings, workshops, as well as other participatory or discursive formats (so-called Specials).

The Accomplices model aims to reduce production pressure and provide more space for research, reflection, and exchange. At the same time, it seeks to bring the themes and perspectives of the artists more strongly into society.

Criteria

Through this Open Call, we are looking for around eight to ten accomplices (individual artists or groups) who wish to engage in close collaboration with Tanzhaus Zürich during the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 seasons. A continuation of the collaboration beyond this period is possible.

The accomplices of Tanzhaus Zürich:

• pursue their own choreographic signature and/or movement practice,

• are clearly rooted in a Zurich-based community,

• are interested in developing a reciprocal relationship with Tanzhaus Zürich,

• work from a personal, social, and/or aesthetic urgency,

• are open to exchange with audiences – and are encouraged to develop productions and formats for specific audiences, in particular also for young audiences.

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.

Scope

In addition to research time, sharings or smaller performances, and the development of new formats (Specials), the accomplices can each realize one larger stage production in the season 2026/2027 or 2027/2028. Collaborations among accomplices as well as with other players are explicitly encouraged and supported by Tanzhaus.

Application

Artists interested in becoming accomplices of Tanzhaus Zürich can apply via email by October 5, 2025 (11:59 pm CET). The selection will be made by Guillaume Guilherme and Lisa Letnansky (Co-Directors of Tanzhaus Zürich from the 2026/2027 season), Christina Gabriela Galli (Mediation and Community Building), Bettina Gigon (Production Management), and Romain Guion (Curation Professional Training and Workshops). External experts may be consulted if necessary. The next opportunity to apply will be in September 2026.

Applications should include - summarized in one PDF if possible:

• a motivation letter (max. 1 page) explaining why you wish to collaborate with Tanzhaus Zürich,

• a project outline (max. 2 pages) detailing your plans for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 seasons (research, stage projects, new formats/Specials),

• potential cooperation partners,

• possible approaches regarding inclusion and accessibility as well as information on your target audience,

• a budget sketch including the requested contribution from Tanzhaus Zürich (a rough outline is sufficient – accuracy or completeness are not decisive),

• a CV, and

• if possible, links to past works.

These materials may also be submitted in video or audio format: videos only via link (YouTube, Vimeo, etc. – no downloads), audio files as mp3/m4p, both with a maximum length of five minutes. As long as the content is comprehensible, technical quality will not be evaluated. However, budget and CV must always be submitted in written form as an attachment to the email.

For questions or clarifications, artists may contact Lisa Letnansky and Guillaume Guilherme at: co-leitung@tanzhaus-zuerich.ch

Decisions will be communicated by the end of November 2025.