The performing arts — dance, theatre, circus and street arts — have their own funding ecosystem, partially overlapping with general cultural programmes but with sector-specific calls worth knowing separately. The difference between finding funding and not finding it often comes down to knowing where to look.
Dance
INAEM — Dance Programme: the Ministry of Culture funds production of new creation, touring within Spain and participation in international festivals. Dance-specific calls include grants for co-production, residency and advanced training.
Centro Coreográfico Nacional (CND): not a grant programme in the strict sense, but the CND offers creation residencies for Spanish companies. Access is by public call.
Aerowaves: European distribution network for contemporary dance. Being selected for the Aerowaves Spring Forward Festival is a direct door to programmers from 34 European countries. Not a financial grant but access to the circuit — which is worth as much or more.
CoNCA: residency and mobility grants explicitly include dance companies.
Theatre
INAEM — Theatre and Circus Programme: grants for production, distribution, residency and training in theatre and circus.
Teatro Nacional de Cataluña (TNC) and Centro Dramático Nacional (CDN): co-production and creation residencies for theatre companies with a track record. Not accessible for first companies without history.
ASSITEJ España: association for theatre for children and young people, with training, distribution and international TYA circuit connection programmes.
ITI — International Theatre Institute: for companies wanting connection to the UNESCO international theatre circuit.
Circus
INAEM — Circus and Street Arts Programme: specific funding for production and distribution of contemporary circus. Includes presence at professional markets like FIRA de Tàrrega.
Circostrada: the European network for contemporary circus and street arts. Manages residency, mobility and funding programmes through its member entities. FIRA de Tàrrega is a Circostrada member, meaning Catalan companies have privileged access to the network.
CircusNext: European programme supporting contemporary circus creation, managed by Jeune Cirque Europe. For European companies on their first productions.
Cross-disciplinary performing arts programmes
IETM — International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts: international network of contemporary performing arts professionals. Membership gives access to calls and connections that rarely arrive through other channels.
Professional markets: indirect funding
Being selected for a professional market is not a grant, but it is indirect funding:
- FIRA de Tàrrega: the main circus and street arts market in Spain. Each selection generates real contracting opportunities.
- BiTes: professional market for Catalan performing arts.
- WOMEX: world music market with performing arts components.
See also:
Ressona supports performing arts companies in building the EPK, website and digital presence needed for programmers and international calls. Get in touch.