Dance Festivals Network Europe has joined forces with EDN and Aerowaves to make contemporary dance visible in EU cultural policy. With the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028 – 2034 negotiations, now is the moment to amplify our collective voice.

In September, Soňa Kúdeľová, a choreographer and performer from Slovakia took part in the Visiting Artist Programme hosted by the Biennale de la Danse in Lyon – this is her experience.

Following previous editions at VAP partner festivals including Dublin Dance Festival and One Dance Festival, the Visiting Artist Programme (VAP) travelled to Lyon for the Biennale de la Danse 2025, joining the professional week from 16 – 20 September.

Maria Solei Järvet, one of the participants in the VAP encounter hosted by Tanz im August (Berlin), gives us a glimpse into the experience…

Some of the participating VAP artists share what these encounters have meant for them – in their own words. From unexpected insights to joyful connections, their stories give a glimpse into the spirit of the Visiting Artist Programme and the creative journeys it makes possible.

Vaiva Paukštė, an artist from Lithuania, took part in the Visiting Artist Encounter at Dance Week Festival, Zagreb during May. We caught up Vaiva recently to hear a bit about experience and her time at the VAP encounter.

In May 2025, Dublin became a meeting point for creativity and conversation and connection as Dublin Dance Festival welcomed six international artists to take part in the Visiting Artist Programme.

Eight international contemporary dance artists participated in the Visiting Artist Programme encounter at One Dance Festival this May, which offered creative exchange, training and professional development. It took place between May 22 and 24 May 2025, during the first long weekend of Edition No. 17 of the festival, with the support of the Municipality of Plovdiv, and gathered a diverse group of dance artists – choreographers, performers and lecturers.

We are looking for organisations that wish to support an independent choreographer to participate in the Visiting Artist Programme.

Dance Festivals Network Europe (DanceFestNetwork) will host its first annual meeting at Dansa Valencia festival from 9 to 11 April 2025.