Project funding
International Coproduction Fund (IKF)
International coproductions are exemplary of partnership-based, dialogue-oriented collaborations. We promote collaborative work processes and innovative productions involving international cultural exchange. In doing so, we support the creation of new networks and approaches within global contexts, while exploring innovative methods for intercultural collaboration.
Funding for international collaboration projects
Conditions of Funding
With the IKF, we fund professionally active artists, ensembles and projects in the performing arts (music, theatre, dance and performance) both abroad and in Germany, with insufficient means of their own to realise international coproductions.
Applicants can be either natural persons (in other words, individual artists) or legal entities (institutions, associations, organised groups, etc.) from outside Germany, who plan their projects in dialogue -oriented collaboration with artists, ensembles or initiatives in Germany. What matters is the applicant’s primary place of residence and work, not their nationality.
In particular, we welcome applications for funding from developing and transition countries.
Applicants can be either natural persons (in other words, individual artists) or legal entities (institutions, associations, organised groups, etc.) from outside Germany, who plan their projects in dialogue -oriented collaboration with artists, ensembles or initiatives in Germany. What matters is the applicant’s primary place of residence and work, not their nationality.
In particular, we welcome applications for funding from developing and transition countries.
Through the IKF, we support the creation of new productions and the development of existing productions in music, theatre, dance and performance that are of a high artistic standard and have public impact. Collaborative artistic development of the project is a prerequisite. The application must clearly demonstrate a genuine mutual interest in a collaborative dialogue-oriented production. The work should be presented abroad in a professional setting, and if possible, also in Germany. In addition to pure music, dance or theatre productions, interdisciplinary, hybrid projects or projects involving the appropriate use of digital media are also eligible.
All project costs, including artist fees, travel costs and production expenses, can be included in the funding application. The requested funding amount should be no more than €30,000 and no less than €15,000.
Projects that are not eligible for funding are purely commercial projects, commissioned works, guest performances or tours, projects with a residency-based character, music recordings, film or exhibition projects without a performative element as well as ongoing operational costs.
All project costs, including artist fees, travel costs and production expenses, can be included in the funding application. The requested funding amount should be no more than €30,000 and no less than €15,000.
Projects that are not eligible for funding are purely commercial projects, commissioned works, guest performances or tours, projects with a residency-based character, music recordings, film or exhibition projects without a performative element as well as ongoing operational costs.
The IKF is administered by the Cultural Department of the Goethe-Institut in Munich. Staff in the music, theatre and dance division carefully review all submitted applications, assessing both formal requirements and alignment with the objectives or funding criteria of the IKF. Approved applications are then submitted to an independent jury for a decision. The decision process (from application deadline to funding approval or rejection) typically takes around three months. When planning your project, please note that the official project period for approved projects begins when the funding is approved and the maximum duration is 15 months.
From 2026, the following fixed application periods will apply per year:
Application period 15.1. to 1.4.2026
Deadline: 1.4.2026
Start of project: With funding approval from 1.7.2026
End of project: No later than 1.10.2027
Proof of expenditure: To be submitted by 1.12.2027
Application period 15.7. to 1.10.2026 (subject to change)
Deadline: 1.10.2026
Start of project: With funding approval from 4.1.2027
End of project: No later than 1.4.2028
Proof of expenditure: To be submitted by 1.6.2028
Activities that have already begun, in other words, those for which contracts have been signed or bookings made (e.g., for flights), are not eligible for funding. Before making any commitments, applicants must request an “early start of measure” by submitting an informal email. Approval of a prior start does not constitute funding approval or a letter of intent to provide funding.
From 2026, the following fixed application periods will apply per year:
Application period 15.1. to 1.4.2026
Deadline: 1.4.2026
Start of project: With funding approval from 1.7.2026
End of project: No later than 1.10.2027
Proof of expenditure: To be submitted by 1.12.2027
Application period 15.7. to 1.10.2026 (subject to change)
Deadline: 1.10.2026
Start of project: With funding approval from 4.1.2027
End of project: No later than 1.4.2028
Proof of expenditure: To be submitted by 1.6.2028
Activities that have already begun, in other words, those for which contracts have been signed or bookings made (e.g., for flights), are not eligible for funding. Before making any commitments, applicants must request an “early start of measure” by submitting an informal email. Approval of a prior start does not constitute funding approval or a letter of intent to provide funding.
- Project in the fields of music, theatre, dance or performance
- Applicants whose main place of residence and work is outside Germany (excluding Austria and Switzerland)
- Quality of the project and the artistic concept
- Balanced project partnership, both in the collaborative creative process and in efforts to secure funding
- Relevance of the participating artists in their respective scenes
- Sound finance plan including all project costs and verifiable own funds (such as ticket revenue, contributions from coproducers, etc.), and/or third-party funds (additional grants, sponsors, etc.), and/or in-kind contributions. (Note: The IKF only provides partial funding of up to 75% of the total production costs.)
- At least one performance outside Germany, and, if possible, one in Germany
- The project period should meet the requirements specified under “Deadlines and selection process”
IKF applications must be submitted online in English. The application portal opens 2.5 months before the application deadline (for more details, see Deadlines and selection process).
To contact a local Goethe-Institut, please find the nearest institute on our website under Locations and get in touch with our colleagues there (institute’s director as well as cultural programme staff).
Incomplete and late project applications cannot be considered.
When inquiring about pending or previous applications, be sure to give us your APPLICATION NUMBER.
To contact a local Goethe-Institut, please find the nearest institute on our website under Locations and get in touch with our colleagues there (institute’s director as well as cultural programme staff).
Incomplete and late project applications cannot be considered.
When inquiring about pending or previous applications, be sure to give us your APPLICATION NUMBER.
Please read the guidelines carefully before filling out an online application:
The blank application form provides an overview of the structure of the online form:
Other useful documents:
Please read the applicable privacy policy.
Next application round
From 2026, there are two confirmed application periods:
For the first round, applications are accepted from mid-January until 1 April 2026. This round is for projects scheduled to start in July 2026 and end on 1 October 2027.
In the second round, applications will be accepted from mid-July until 1 October 2026. This round is for projects starting in 2027 and ending on 1 April 2028.
We recommend checking our website regularly for the latest updates on the application process.
For the first round, applications are accepted from mid-January until 1 April 2026. This round is for projects scheduled to start in July 2026 and end on 1 October 2027.
In the second round, applications will be accepted from mid-July until 1 October 2026. This round is for projects starting in 2027 and ending on 1 April 2028.
We recommend checking our website regularly for the latest updates on the application process.
FAQ
IKF funding requires collaboration between at least two parties. Applicants or first coproducers are always the artists or ensembles based outside Germany (Austria and Switzerland are excluded). If approved, the applicants also serve as the main contact for the project and conclude the agreement with the local Goethe-Institut abroad. Third parties and additional coproducers are not a prerequisite for funding, however they may be included in the application form. We deliberately use the term “coproducer” broadly. What matters is the joint artistic development of the project (artistic collaboration) and thus the substantial contribution they make to the production.
The production should be presented at least once outside Germany, ideally in the country where the production process took place. Presentations in Germany are not obligatory, however the IKF prioritises productions that are presented in at least two different countries.
Above all, by complying with the basic conditions for funding approval: active and equal collaboration between partners in the development and realisation of the project, co-financing of at least 25% of the total production costs (through own and/or third-party funds and/or in-kind contributions) as well as a transparent cost plan. It is also advantageous if the project addresses a contemporary or socially relevant topic, or if it is interdisciplinary.
Carefully review all information on our website and in the available PDFs. In your application, clearly and concisely describe your project idea, how the partnership was established, who is responsible for what, how the artistic work is shared, when and where each step will take place and whether funding has been secured. Please provide the relevant supporting documents. The more detailed your application, the higher its chances of success. Watch our online tutorials and contact us if you have any specific questions. Reviewing previously funded projects may also be helpful.
Helping potential collaborators establish contact is not the responsibility of the IKF. However, the GoetheInstitut website provides information about the arts scene in Germany as well as previously funded projects. You can also contact the local Goethe-Institut offices abroad.
Funded coproductions
Inclusion and sustainability
We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can participate in cultural activities and strongly encourage artists with disabilities to apply. Any accessibility-related costs for your projects will be covered by us.
We are also committed to promoting sustainability in projects and are happy to advise you on how you can plan your project in an environmentally friendly manner
We are also committed to promoting sustainability in projects and are happy to advise you on how you can plan your project in an environmentally friendly manner
