For Emerging Creative Duos (Artist + Producer)
Introduction
The performing arts are at a pivotal crossroads, influenced by rapid technological advancements and shifting societal expectations. As audiences increasingly seek immersive and interactive experiences, the traditional boundaries of live performance are being challenged. This evolution necessitates a re-examination of how performing arts professionals – including artists, producers, and creative technologists – engage with their craft, particularly in the context of integrating digital technologies into their work. At its core, live performance is about presence — the act of sharing time and space, of co-existing in a moment. XR challenges and expands this definition by enabling new forms of spatial presence in virtual realms. XR and generative AI offer the tools to imagine and inhabit virtual stages — expansive, interactive spaces that extend beyond the boundaries of traditional venues. These are not just simulations, but enable hybrid forms of performance that maintain a sense of liveness while opening up radically new dramaturgical possibilities.
- Extended Reality, which enables the design and exploration of immersive, 3D environments that blend physical and virtual worlds. The spectator is transported to the heart of the action, becoming an integral part of the scene. The physical limits of traditional stage space are abolished, giving way to endless virtual worlds. XR allows for the creation of worlds that are not only visual but sensorial, emotional, and participatory. These virtual spaces can respond to movement, sound, and interaction, offering rich dramaturgical layers that evolve in real time.
- Generative Artificial Intelligence, which pushes the boundaries of artistic creation by enabling assisted generation of digital content—images, sounds, texts, or 3D models. AI tools can be used to generate scenography, characters, environments, or text, all on demand, accelerating the prototyping and iteration phases of production. More importantly, they democratize access to complex digital creation processes, allowing artists to engage directly with powerful technologies using natural language — without needing deep technical expertise.
EXPAND (Empowering the Performing Arts with XR and AI Technologies) is a European cooperation project supported by the Creative Europe programme. Led by a consortium of 3 partners – Dark Euphoria (FR), &Espoo Theatre (FI), and „Marin Sorescu” National Theatre (RO) – it aims to bridge the gap between performing arts and digital innovation by training a new generation of creators.
During 2 years (2026-27), the project will set-up and implement a European capacity-building programme combining discovery and hands-on practice with XR and AI technologies, peer-to-peer learning, as well as intensive networking. By bridging the gap between the worlds of performing arts and digital innovation, EXPAND seeks to democratize access to immersive and interactive tools, ensuring that the theatre sector embraces digital transition and sustainable growth.
1. Organisers
The call is organised by the EXPAND consortium:
- Dark Euphoria (France)
- &Espoo Theatre (Finland)
- “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre (Romania)
2. Purpose of the call
The open call aims to select 6 creative duos to join a 12-month capacity-building programme focused on exploring the use and implications of XR and AI tools for writing and producing in performing arts contexts.
2.1 Non-production disclaimer
Participants acknowledge that the programme does not aim to produce a performance, demo, or finished work as a requirement for completion.
3. Definitions
- Duo: two applicants applying together: one artist + one producer.
- Artist: an emerging creator working in performing arts (theatre/dance/performance/puppetry/multidisciplinary live arts).
- Producer (broad sense): a professional accompanying development/technical aspects/production/distribution/strategy of an artist/company/project (independent or within an organisation).
4. Eligibility criteria
4.1 Geographic eligibility
Both applicants must be based in France, Finland or Romania.
4.2 Nationality/residency
Both applicants must be nationals/residents of:
- one of the 27 EU Member States, or
- non-EU countries participating in the Creative Europe programme (list here).
4.3 Language
Both applicants must be able to participate fully in English (written/spoken), the working language of the programme.
4.4 Emerging artist criteria
The artist must meet at least two of the eligibility indicators:
- presented/toured ≥ 2 and ≤ 5 works (as artistic lead)
- in ≤ 3 countries.
- professional practice for 7 years maximum
4.5 Exclusion
Applications may be deemed ineligible if: incomplete, late, not submitted in English, not meeting eligibility criteria, or containing false declarations.
5. Programme conditions
5.1 Participation period
Participants commit to the programme timeline, from May 2026 to July 2027 including:
- Kick-off in Avignon (France)
- Labs in Espoo (Finland), Cannes (France), Craiova (Romania)
- Online components (talks, check-ins, mentoring)
5.2 Attendance
Participants are expected to attend:
- all in-person labs and the kick-off meeting
- all mandatory online sessions
If a participant cannot attend, they must notify the organisers promptly; replacement/continuation rules are at the organisers’ discretion.
5.3 Working principles
Participants agree to:
- respectful behaviour, inclusion, and safe working conditions
- peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
- responsible approach to digital tools (AI/XR)
6. Financial conditions
6.1 Covered costs
The consortium covers international travel, accommodation and per diems for the 3 labs and the Avignon event (according to organisers’ travel policy).
6.2 Not covered / personal costs
Unless explicitly stated, the following are not covered: extra nights, upgrades, additional luggage, personal expenses, local commuting beyond the programme needs, etc.
6.3 Fees
No artistic fees, stipends, or salaries are paid to participants (capacity-building programme).
7. Application process
7.1 Submission
Applications must be submitted via the official online form by the deadline indicated in the timeline.
7.2 Required documents
- Cover letter – explain why you want to participate as a duo, your shared artistic vision, and what you hope to achieve through the programme. Maximum one page (A4) – PDF.
- Artistic portfolio – documentation of recent work (video links, images, project descriptions).
- Artist and producer CVs – include education, professional background, artistic/production experience, relevant projects/skills. Maximum one page (A4) for each profile – PDF.
7.3 Shortlisting & interviews
The organisers will preselect up to 12 duos for online interviews (~25 minutes), then select 6 final duos.
8. Selection criteria
The selection is managed by the Consortium Board of EXPAND Project (1 Artistic director of each partner). The selection committee may consider:
- motivation and relevance to the programme
- artistic/production coherence of the duo
- capacity to benefit from training and share learning
- interest in XR/AI exploration and critical thinking
- overall quality and clarity of the application
9. Participants’ commitments
By participating in EXPAND, selected duos commit to:
9.1 Attendance and engagement
- Attend all onsite activities (kick-off meeting and physical labs) and all required online sessions (talks, check-ins, mentoring).
- Notify the organisers as early as possible in case of an impediment; any exception is subject to organisers’ approval.
9.2 Timeline
- February 20, 2026: launch of the open call
- March 20, 2026 (22:59CET / 23:59 EET): closing of the open call
- Before April 17 : notification of preselection for shortlisted participants
- April 20, 21, 22 2026 (9:30 – 11h30 CET / 10:30 – 12:30 EET): interviews with shortlisted applications (online)
- April 30th, 2026: results announcement
- June 2026: Introduction – inspirational talk #1 (online)
- 7 to 9 July 2026: Kick-off Meeting (Avignon, France), in the framework of the SVSN event (Avignon Festival)
- September 2026 : inspirational talk #2 (online)
- 7 to 9 October 2026: Lab 1 (Espoo, Finland), focus on dramaturgy in the age of new technological possibilities
- November 2026 : inspirational talk #3 (online)
- January 2026 : inspirational talk #4 (online)
- March 2027[1] (3-days): Lab 2 (Cannes, France) – focus on Immersive and Interactive Technologies.
- April 2027: inspirational talk #5 (online)
- May 2027: inspirational talk #6 (online)
- 28 to 30 June 2027: Lab 3 (Craiova, Romania) – focusing on Digital Presence and Augmented Acting, right before the TNT Festival
Online Components: 6 inspiration talks, 4 one-to-one mentoring sessions, and 2 online check-ins. Mentoring & checking calls will be organised within this timeframe.
9.3 Evaluation and feedback
- Participate in programme evaluation processes, including feedback surveys, qualitative interviews and/or group debriefs when requested, for the purpose of improving the programme and fulfilling project reporting obligations.
9.4 Image rights and documentation (non-commercial use)
- Grant the EXPAND consortium a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free authorisation to capture and use photos and videos featuring participants during labs and programme activities, for non-commercial communication, dissemination and reporting purposes (including Creative Europe reporting), across partners’ communication channels.
- Participants may request reasonable corrections (e.g., name/credit) and may object to the use of specific images in justified cases (e.g., safety concerns), subject to feasibility.
9.5 Credit the project & European funding properly
- Selected duos commit to credit EXPAND and the European Union (Creative Europe Programme) in any communication or promotional material relating to activities developed within the framework of the project (including online and offline content).
- This credit must include the official wording provided by the consortium and, where applicable, the EU/Creative Europe visual identity (logos) in accordance with the applicable guidelines.
9.6 Contribution to the EXPAND XR resource library
- Contribute to the project’s XR database/resource library by sharing learnings, methods, references, documentation, and—when applicable—non-sensitive experiment notes and creative outputs developed during the programme.
- Shared materials must respect third-party rights (copyright, licenses) and privacy/consent obligations. The consortium may define practical formats, templates, and publication levels (public/internal) during the programme.
10. Diversity and inclusion
In line with EU priorities, EXPAND implements a gender equality and inclusion strategy. The project aims for 60% of selected participants to come from under-represented groups (based on gender, background, and/or geography).
This objective will be pursued through outreach, accessible communication, and selection practices, while maintaining the programme’s eligibility and quality criteria.
11. Data protection (GDPR)
Personal data will be processed solely for managing the call and programme (eligibility checks, selection, logistics, reporting). Applicants have rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction and objection under GDPR. Data will be retained for a period of 5 years after the end of the project.
12. Use of AI / ethical considerations
Participants agree to follow any guidance provided on:
- responsible AI use (rights, attribution, transparency)
- privacy and consent (especially if capturing people, voices, images)
- venue/audience safety and accessibility in immersive contexts
13. Liability, insurance, and force majeure
- Participants are responsible for having appropriate personal insurance (health/travel/civil liability).
- The organisers may modify dates/format due to force majeure or safety constraints; reasonable alternatives will be proposed.
14. Cancellation & withdrawal
- If a selected duo withdraws, organisers may offer the slot to another shortlisted duo. Reimbursement rules (if any costs were advanced) follow the organisers’ travel policy.
15. Acceptance of the regulations
Submitting an application implies full acceptance of these regulations.
Selected participants may be asked to sign a participation agreement specifying practical details (travel policy, consent for documentation, etc.).
For any questions regarding this open call and the regulations, please contact:
mblot@dark-euphoria.com
16. EU co-funding and disclaimer
EXPAND is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Creative Europe Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
