MENTORING PROGRAMME


We understand mentoring to be the consultation and guidance provided by an experienced expert.
Often between projects and their realization, overarching questions arise about structural issues and art that cannot be dealt with because of time or space restrictions. The Schwindelfrei Festival wants to do something about this by offering artists, groups and institutions the possibility of working together with a mentor on a particular issue.
The Schwindelfrei Festival will award up to four mentorships. Within the framework of the festival, from July 11 – 14, 2024, insights into this mentoring process will be shared with the public.


Who can apply?

  • Individual artists and groups from all disciplines in the independent performing arts scene who live or work in Mannheim and the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan region.

We offer:

  • The chance to work together with a mentor on a topic of your choice.
  • The option of working with your mentor anywhere between March 1 and July 10, 2024.
  • A paid contribution to cover expenses of up to €1,500.

We expect:

  • independent planning of the mentorship.
  • The chance to take a look at your collaboration during the festival from July 11 – 14, 2024 (the format will be chosen together with the festival team and the other mentoring groups).
  • A one-page report about the experience from the perspective of the mentees and the mentors – due by September 15, 2024.

How can I apply?

  • Briefly introduce yourself. (max. 10 lines)
  • What type of mentor are you looking for?
  • Where do you need the support of a mentor? (max. 1 page)
  • Do you already have a particular mentor that you would like to work with? If so, who is it?
  • Provide a rough sketch of your project plan.
  • Let us know who your contact person is and send us their contact information.
  • Do you have special requirements? If so, please let us know.

DATES:

November 30, 2023: OPEN CALL Application deadline (by email)

January 2024: OPEN CALL Decisions and expected announcements

From March 3 – July 10, 2024: Working with mentor (freely selectable)

July 11 – July 7, 2024: Festival period with mentoring presentations


Selection criteria

  • Convincing and coherently presented artistic approach.
  • Whether the residency could play an important role in your own artistic development.
  • Urgency.
  • Relevant thematic focus.
  • Reflected positioning and approach to your work.
  • Socially and ecologically sustainable methods of working.

Submission:

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

Application deadline: November 30, 2023


Your submission must include the following:

  • The answers to the questions given in “How do I apply?”

Your submission can be sent as a PDF, an audio file or as a video link depending on what format would be the most convenient for you.

Incomplete submissions cannot be considered. 

Questions about our OPEN CALL can be addressed at:kulturamt.schwindelfrei(at)mannheim.de