Who can apply?

• performing artists whose life / work is centered in Mannheim or the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region 

• groups, initiatives or organizations that do not work in the arts, but would like to collaborate with artists 

  Intersectional and diverse perspectives are expressly welcome.

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  Recindecy formats 

For site-specific or international collaborations, or for the development of an artistic production
Time frame: June 22 – July 8, 2026
Festival dates: July 9 – July 12, 2026
Compensation: €2,250  per person (max. 4 people)

For more information on the scope, schedule and application requirements

more information 3-week residency

We understand mentoring as cFor initial collaborations between artists and non-artist groups, or for research on artistic topics 
Time frame: July 2 – July 8, 2026
Festival dates: July 9 – July 12, 2026
Compensation: €750 per person (max. 4 people)

For more information on the scope, schedule and application requirements 

more information 7day Residency

Both residency formats will conclude with a public presentation, include some type of discussion format to interact with the public and make a conference contribution. 

The Schwindelfrei Festival 2026 will focus on the theme of “Staying here – Spaces and Practices for a new Coexistence” and is looking for places, work methods and encounters that invite people to stay, i.e., make a new start and engage in dialog with one another. We are searching for projects and places that are taking a clear position in the world – a stance that shapes and questions the world we live in. 

This theme is a response to the consequences of world-wide and local crises. These crises are unsettling for all of us personally and artistically because they are attacking the plurality and diversity of perspectives, topics, bodies, ecosystems and art in our society today. This is why the Schwindelfrei Festival 2026 is searching for artistic strategies of solidarity. It is seeking connections between the arts, between artists and non-artists, in places where discussions are held, in memories, in the imagining  of a different future. In short, we are looking for spaces and practices for a new coexistence.

Your application should include:

• a brief description of your team (max. 10 lines / max. 2 min.)
• a description of your planned project (max. 1 page / max. 5 min.)
  What would you like to research or develop? How does your project relate to the festival’s theme? How do you want to work? What do you want to achieve in this process?
• a list of all team members: name, function, place of residence / work
• links to websites and / or other materials, if available (max. 3 pages)
• performance dates for your group (by January), if known
• information about accessibility requirements, or access riders, if relevant
• contact details for the group’s contact person 

Applications can be submitted as a text, audio or video file.  A hybrid form is also possible. Text submissions should be combined into a single PDF document. If you are submitting a large audio or video file, please send us a link to access your files. 

Please send your application to:
kulturamt.schwindelfrei(at)mannheim.de

Unfortunately, incomplete submissions cannot be considered. 

Selection Criteria

• artistic quality and clarity of the project
• relevance to the festival theme
• urgency
• whether the residency could make a significant contribution to the artist’s own development
• reflective, anti-discriminatory work methods
• socially and environmentally sustainable work methods
• organization feasibility within the framework of the festival 

The curators will make their selections by the end of January 2026.

Festival and Schedule 

• consultation about the Open Call with the festival curators: November 2025
• application deadline: December 14, 2025
• announcement of application results: by the end of January 2026
• residency periods: June 22 – July 8, or July 2 – 8, 2026
• festival dates: July 9 – 12, 2026

For all your open questions, suggestions and ideas, please contact: 

Nicole Libnau
Kulturamt der Stadt Mannheim / Mannheim Office of Culture 
Email: kulturamt.schwindelfrei(at)mannheim.de
Telephone: 0621 293-9367

During November 2025, the curators Melanie Mohren and Bernhard Herbordt will be offering open Zoom meetings and in-person appointments to talk about your questions and give advice regarding the 

OPEN CALL.  Information about meeting dates and links will be provided by the Office of Culture on the festival’s website (www.schwindelfrei-festival.de), as well as in the ART UP newsletter.

For further information and FAQs:
www.schwindelfrei-festival.de