Q: Is it also possible to co-finance my project through third-party funding, e.g., in case I want to work with more than four artists?
A: Yes, co-financing with third-party funding is generally possible.
Q: Will travel expenses and accommodations for artists who must travel from outside of the region, but are participating in the project be compensated?
A: The open call for applications was explicitly directed to artists from the region. Therefore, the festival cannot cover travel and accommodation expenses. However, co-financing through third-party funding could also be possible. Contact us to discuss individual cases.
Q: How should the results of the residency be presented?
A: The presentation of the results of your residency can take the form of a performance, a lecture performance or an exhibition / installation or in another artistic format. In addition, after consulting with the curators, you will also present your results in a format of your choice at the end of the festival as part of a performance conference.
Q: How long should the presentation be?
A: We would like the presentation to be at least 20 minutes and afterwards, it should be followed up with a discussion with the audience.
Q: The language we work in is not German – does the presentation have to be in German? A: The presentation can also be in a language other than German. Please speak with us about this so that we can find a way to make your presentation accessible to those who do not speak that language.
Q: Can I make other artistic suggestions for the program?
A: Yes, please! We are open to ideas for the program, suggestions for musical or other artistic contributions, topics for workshops, discussions, etc. Just write us an email at: kulturamt.schwindelfrei(at)mannheim.de
Q: I have created a digital project, installation or film and would like to present it in the festival. Would you be interested?
A: Yes. Just let us know what your project is and how you think it could be presented in the festival. Please be aware that Schwindelfrei is a festival for the performing arts – your project should have something to do with this or has been developed out of another form of performance.
Q: Can I apply even if I am still a student?
A: Those who are actively producing art at a professional level, but are also studying on the side can apply.
Q: I would rather send my application by post. Is that possible?
A: No. Please send your application per email as a PDF/ an audio or video file.
Q: Do I need to send letters of reference?
A: No, letters of reference are not necessary.
Q: Will there be an application interview?
A: No, the curators will choose the candidates solely on the basis of their applications and will let all applicants know in written form whether their application was accepted or rejected.
Q: What criteria will be used by the curators to evaluate my application?
A: Has the planned project been convincingly presented? Could a residency help the group with their project? How urgent is the residency for the particular group in respect to other groups? Does the selection of the projects as a whole exhibit artistic variety?
Q: Is there a possibility to receive feedback if my application has been rejected?
A: If the number of applications allow for it, the artistic directors can give you a short explanation about why the project was rejected upon request.
Q: Will childcare be offered?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot offer childcare at this time.
Q: Will there be activities for children during the festival?
A: We will make an effort to also offer activities for children during the festival.
Q: Are the workspaces barrier-free?
A: Unfortunately, not all workspaces are barrier-free. Please let us know if you have any special needs by contacting Nicole Libnau; email: kulturamt.schwindelfrei(at)mannheim.de, telephone: 0621 / 293-9367
Q: Can I submit more than one application?
A: No, only one application can be submitted.
Q: Can I be included as a contributor in other applications even if I have submitted an application myself?
A: Yes, you can be included as a contributor in other people’s applications.
Q: How often will the presentations be shown?
A: Each presentation will be shown 1-2 times during the festival. In addition, it will be presented in some way as part of the performance conference at the end of the 2026 festival on July 12, 2026.
Q: Will the presentations be filmed or photographed?
A: The presentations will be filmed and photographed by a person designated by the festival team.
Q: Has the festival team been trained in anti-discriminatory event management? Will an awareness officer be on hand to deal with the artists’ concerns about experiencing structural racism, e.g., racism, queerphobia, sexism, ableism, etc.?
A: The festival team and those working for our cooperation partners have different levels of knowledge about this topic. We have been striving to continuously raise awareness through workshops and education, as well as jointly developing a common understanding about these topics. The festival team and the artists will be guided by an awareness officer.
Q: Is there a budget for technology and material expenses?
A: For the residencies, there is not an extra budget for technology or materials.
Q: Does the festival have an awareness team? Is there an awareness concept?
A: The festival works with an awareness officer and our awareness concept is continually being developed from festival to festival.
Q: I have more questions. Who can I contact?
A: Please contact Nicole Libnau; email: kulturamt.schwindelfrei(at)mannheim.de, telephone: 0621 / 293-9367
In addition, the curators will be offering open Zoom meetings and in-person appointments to talk about your questions and give advice regarding the OPEN CALL in November 2025. Information about meeting dates and links can be found on the festival’s website (www.schwindelfrei-festival.de).