24–29 June 2026, Sofia
Are you a producer or cultural manager working in contemporary dance and the performing arts? Do you have at least 2 years of professional experience and want to strengthen your skills in fundraising, project development, touring, festival and artist management while expanding your international network? We invite you to apply for a 5-day residential workshop in Sofia (Bulgaria), complemented by online sessions taking place prior to the on-site program. Hosted by Derida Dance Center.
Application deadline: 3 April 2026 at 23:59 CET
Application form: HERE
The workshop will host professionals from the contemporary dance field, including producers, arts managers, project/operational managers, cultural entrepreneurs, curators, agents; professionals with minimum 2 years of experience in production/cultural management in performing arts. There is no age limit.
Eligibility: nationals or legal residents of: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo*, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye.
Derida Dance Center (the host organization) will financially cover the workshop, travel expenses and accommodation.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
The participants will gain practical tools and frameworks for fundraising & project writing, skills in cultural diplomacy and international networking, insights into festival management, business development for producers (touring, partnerships, artist & tour management), hands-on exercises, group work, real-life case studies, peer exchange in a multicultural environment.
Mentors:
Kathrin Deventer – European Festivals Association, Secretary General
Giulia Poltronieri – Cultural Manager
Magnus Nordberg – Nordberg Movement, Founder
Maria Popović – SKCNS, Cultural Manager & Fundraiser
Atanas Maev – Derida Dance Center, CEO & Co-founder
More info about the mentors are available HERE.
ABOUT THE APPLICATION
Please prepare a CV and a motivation statement describing your experience, interests, and what you want to develop through this program. Submit via Google Forms.
Additional questions: and