Producers' Academy 2026
- international seminar
A co-learning lab for international producers working with participatory projects and/or contextualized work.
The Producers' Academy is a dedicated time to reflect, think, co-learn, encounter, and question the practice of the producer. With open minds and open hearts, integrity and fun, this four-day seminar delves into the current urgencies and issues around producing work and being a producer. It also takes place during Kunstenfestivaldesarts, an international performing arts festival in Brussels.
A focus on producing participatory projects and/or contextualized work
In 2026, the Producers' Academy will focus on practices of producing participatory projects and/or contextualized work.
Facilitated by curator and dramaturg Bek Berger (DE), these four days will be dedicated to tackling some of the ethical questions linked with participation and public space, enlightened by the perspective of producers Rita Serra e Silva (PT) and Rita Westwood (PT). We will also learn methodologies to support collaborative work within projects, such as Action Learning with Rachel Nelken (UK) and Delia Barker (UK).
The different subjects will be explored while talking, listening, walking or playing, using the expertise of inspirational guests and the knowledge within the room.
Programme
More information on the programme soon!
Conditions
Criteria of eligibility
- Special focus and priority to producers* who are working in/with public space and/or participatory projects
- Open to producers/cultural entrepreneurs who have developed or are in the process of developing innovative way(s) to support creation in an international dimension and/or with a trans-sectorial approach (decolonisation, feminism, fair practices, climate change, accessibility, etc.)
- Producers from all nationalities
- At least five years of experience as a producer in the performing arts** sector
- Language: English
* Producers: supervise, support, follow an artist or a collective/company.
**Performing arts: except opera and music-only related projects.
If you have any question regarding your eligibility, please get in touch with Beth Gordon: beth@cifas.be
Conditions
Participation is free of charge (Programme includes lunch + two performances at KFDA).
We do not cover travel and accommodation*. We can send official invitation letters to those who wish to activate ways to support their participation costs.
Our partner On the Move can provide advice and guidance about available mobility support programmes.
* Travel support can be considered on an exceptional basis, see below.
Bursaries
Cifas offers a limited number of travel grants to support producers from countries where little or no financial support is available for international mobility.
Applications
To apply please fill in this form attaching a CV (1 page max.) and a motivation letter explaining your practice and why you wish to take part in the Producers' Academy (3.000 characters including spaces max.) in a joint PDF named as follows: "SURNAME Name".
If you wish to apply to one of our bursaries please add a motivation letter giving us more details about your financial situation (1.500 characters including spaces max.) named as follows: "SURNAME Name_funding".