Open Call: Huggy Bears 2027

Bears in the Park is seeking innovative, Vienna-based artists and collectives to join the next round of the Huggy Bears Supporting Program in 2027.

This programme is designed for emerging artists working in performance art, dance, or other transdisciplinary art forms related to dance or performance, who want to realise a stage-based performance project.

The programme runs from early 2027 to autumn 2027, offering administrative, technical, financial, and artistic support. Participants will benefit from regular feedback sessions, both within the group and with Philippe Riéra and Charlotte Bastam from Bears in the Park. The programme fosters a transdisciplinary learning environment through shared knowledge and collaboration.

Participants will also have opportunities to showcase their progress at various events, including collaborations with brut, WUK performing arts, and ImPulsTanz, culminating in a final premiere at WUK performing arts and studio brut.

The programme includes

• Monthly feedback sessions with the Huggy Bears group and the Bears in the Park team
• Dramaturgy and coaching on demand
• Sharing opportunities in cooperation with brut Wien in March 2027
• Prioritized 24/7 studio access for the entire duration of the programme at Bears in the Park
• Premiers of the projects in Autumn 2027 on the stages of WUK performing arts or studio brut
• Workshops in production, sound, video, and lighting
• Becoming part of the ImPulsTanz Festival 2027, with free access to workshops, shows, and social events
• Selection for a Tanzquartier Wien scholarship for one full month
• Administrative and PR support
• Financial support through a BMWKMS project fund

Eligibility

Open to performers, dancers, and creatives working with time-based art forms who have a project idea they would like to realise in a theatre for contemporary dance and performance.

We are open to solo, duo, and collective projects alike.

Applicants must be based in Vienna, as the programme is designed to sustainably support Vienna’s independent performing arts scene.

How to apply

Submit the following in one single PDF (named: Huggy Bears 2027_Lastname(s) of Applicant(s).pdf) by 10 November 2026 to charlotte@bearsinthepark.org:

• CV and bio for each team member
• Project description (1 page max.)
• Portfolio with relevant materials (photos, videos, 5 pages max.)
• Letter of motivation (why you want to join and how you’ll use the programme)

Selection Process

First round: The application will be carefully reviewed by the Bears in the Park team in November. Successful applicants will be invited for interviews.

Second round of selection: In-person interviews will be held between 30 November and 04 December 2026 at Bears in the Park.

This year’s jury consists of Philippe Riéra (Artistic Director of Bears in the Park), Charlotte Bastam (Head of Production & Administration & Co-Curator at Bears in the Park), and Cat Jimenez (Actress, Choreographer, Actress & Huggy Bears Alumna).

Further info

Please note that our working language is English, and a certain level of proficiency is required to follow the feedback sessions and general communications. However, applications for projects with German as the main language are also welcome.

We only accept one project proposal per person/team.