Global Connect 2025 Open Call

On this page, you can find all the details for the Global Connect 2025 Open Call. The call is structured in sections. You can click on the links below to jump ahead to the desired section.

• About IETM
• About Global Connect
• What are the aims of IETM Global Connect?
• What does IETM Global Connect offer?
• Who can apply?
• What are the programme’s selection criteria?
• How to apply?
• FAQ

About IETM

IETM – International network for contemporary performing arts is one of the oldest and largest international cultural networks in the world, representing the voice of over 500 members based in over 60 countries working in the contemporary performing arts worldwide. 

With over 40 years of history, our network is a vehicle for transnational conversations in response to the need of the performing arts sector to constantly research, share and promote new innovative ways of collaborating internationally. 

By highlighting new trends, models, innovations and challenges emerging from our members and the sector at large, IETM plays a key role in advocating for the value of the arts and improving the conditions and recognition of the performing arts sector worldwide. 

IETM serves its members by organising networking opportunities, peer-to-peer learning, exchanges and dialogues via various events. Moreover, it commissions publications and research, facilitates communication and distribution of information about the performing arts and advocates for the position of performing arts professionals, worldwide.

IETM aims to create a more inclusive contemporary arts field by engaging with underrepresented performing arts professionals, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, social conditions, working and employment status, age, career path and geographical location.

IETM is an association based in Brussels and operates under Belgian law. 

Read more about IETM’s Governance and Structure

About IETM Global Connect

Global Connect is an IETM programme created with and supported by the IETM Associate Members. The goal of Global Connect is to make our network more inclusive, diverse, eco-responsible and accessible. Since 2022, IETM Global Connect has supported and welcomed 43 established performing arts professionals from five continents to our network. These professionals have enhanced our dialogues with their perspectives, knowledge and experiences.

Meet the IETM Global Connectors from the past editions

What are the aims of IETM Global Connect?

IETM Global Connect enables performing arts professionals from across the globe to:

• Actively contribute towards IETM’s activities and development by bringing fresh perspectives to the dialogues within the network and influence the global performing arts sector on a long term basis;
   
• Expand their international network and find new collaborators and partners across all horizons - via online and on-site opportunities;
   
• Allow the opportunity for international visibility of alternative and/or innovative working models, practices and ideas developed in their professional local context and communities;
   
• Develop new skills and knowledge through peer-to-peer learning;
   
• Become inspired in their professional lives, which they can share with their communities.

What does IETM Global Connect offer?

As part of the programme, successful applicants will benefit from: 

• IETM Membership: selected Global Connectors will be granted a free individual IETM membership for five years (from the beginning of 2025 until the end of 2029) with full access to all members’ benefits. The membership includes:
   
  • free registration to all IETM events;
     
  • free participation in all IETM training and membership activities;
     
  • full access to the IETM internal digital platform and members’ newsletters;
     
  • opportunities to use the IETM partners search tool and to share news, resources and call to actions via IETM's website and other communication channels;
     
  • participation in the IETM Governance through voting and applying to be elected in the IETM General Assembly;
     
  • many more benefits, listed here.
     
• Participation in exclusive online sessions: From January to May 2025, the selected Global Connectors will be involved in a number of online sessions leading up to the IETM Plenary Meeting 2025:
   

1. An online introductory session where all Global Connectors will present themselves and get to know each other in Mid-January 2025;
    
2. One online 1-1 session with the IETM team to have an in-depth and tailored introduction to IETM, its activities and all the membership benefits; 
    
3. Online live testimonies from members of the Global Connectors Alumni in March;
    
4. Online Global Connect Presentation Sessions, open to the whole IETM membership, prior to the IETM Plenary Meeting. In these sessions, the Global Connectors 2025 will have the opportunity to introduce themself to the whole membership and share information about their projects, work practices and local community prior to their participation in the Plenary. 

The timeframe of all the online sessions will depend on the timezones of the selected participants.

• Funding support to attend one IETM meeting: The Global Connectors 2025 will receive funding support to attend the IETM Plenary Meeting 2025. The support will cover all travel, accommodation and visa costs as well as other relevant costs required to attend the meeting.

  All selected Global Connectors are expected to attend the meeting, so please ensure your availability to travel to Europe in mid-May 2025 when submitting your application. The Global Connectors 2025 will be able to experience the Plenary as IETM members, having access to all the programme’s working sessions, networking opportunities and parallel activities. In addition, they will specifically participate in:

• A networking activity connected to the Online Global Connect Presentation Session, aimed at strengthening the connections made online;
   
• One private session reserved for both the Global Connectors 2025 and the Alumni from the previous editions who will be attending the Plenary. 

Important: We are currently in the process of preparing the 2025 Plenary Meeting. The Global Connectors will be taken into consideration when selecting speakers and moderators for the Plenary’s sessions, panels and workshops. Please note that this involvement will depend on the final structure of the Plenary’s programme and that not all the selected Global Connectors 2025 may be involved in this process. 

Who can apply?

IETM Global Connect is open to performing arts professionals worldwide (producers, artists, managers, presenters, etc.) working in an organisation or as freelance/self-employed.

Up to ten Global Connectors will be selected for the 2025 edition of the programme. 

Eligibility criteria:

• Applicants should be currently working in the contemporary performing arts (except for live music) anywhere in the world. Particular attention will be given towards professionals from areas or countries where IETM has low membership or no members at all. You can view the IETM members list here. 
   
• Applicants should have a minimum of five years professional experience in the performing arts field.
   
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate a concrete commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity for the benefit of their communities.
   
• As IETM’s working language, applicants should be able to communicate proficiently in English and be able to contribute to meetings and gatherings in English.
   
• Applicants should be able to travel to Europe for the IETM Plenary Meeting in mid-May 2025. Therefore, they must be eligible to apply for a Schengen visa in a timely manner, if needed.
   
• Current IETM members and current Global Connect Alumni are NOT eligible to apply.

What are the programme’s selection criteria?

Applications will be assessed on the basis of:

• How well the applicant meets the eligibility criteria;
   
• Motivation and reasons for applying for Global Connect;
   
• Relevance of their practices in their local context and willingness to share it with the international scene;
   
• How the IETM membership will impact the career and personal development of the applicant over the next five years;
   
• Background, skills and experience of the applicant.

Moreover:

• IETM is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion by welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and encouraging applications from individuals who consider themselves part of underrepresented groups in the performing arts landscape. We specifically encourage applications from professionals who identify as Indigenous and/or are working in Indigenous contexts/communities.
   
• Skills and experiences as speakers and/or facilitators are considered as a plus.

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee which include representatives of the IETM Associate Members, IETM secretariat members and one external evaluator. 

How to apply?

Applications are now closed.

The application deadline: was Monday 4 November 2024 at 23:59 CET (calculate your timezone)

FAQ

Is IETM Global Connect for emerging artists?

No. It is important for applicants to demonstrate a minimum of five years work experience as a professional in the performing arts (as a producer, artist, manager, curator, presenter, etc.). Additionally, the ideal candidate should have a desire to connect and engage with peers internationally. IETM Global Connect aims to provide connections and build networks both to support your own work as well as widen and diversify IETM's own international membership. IETM Global Connect is keen to engage with performing arts professionals who are able to contribute to the network and its activities during the period of the programme and beyond. 

How much will the financial support to attend an IETM event be and what type of costs will it cover?

This will vary depending on where you will be travelling from. Exact amounts will be determined based on the final selection of participants and their respective locations. Any costs connected to attending the meeting will be eligible as part of the support, including travel, accommodation, subsistence and obtaining a VISA. 

I am disabled. Will IETM Global Connect provide reasonable adjustments to enable me to bring a support worker?

IETM is committed to extending bursaries to enable the participation of disabled performing arts professionals. Therefore, a percentage of the programme’s budget will be allocated to enable this. We request that any specific requirements are included in the application form so that the selection panel can ensure the necessary support is allocated.  

Is there training involved in the programme?

Learning, sharing and exchange will be at the heart of the programme. IETM Global Connect will not offer you formal training, but you will have ample opportunities to discover new methods, models and ideas via peer-to-peer learning and participating in other IETM activities as an IETM member. Global Connect gives access to the IETM network, which in turn gives IETM access to new generations of performing arts professionals and those from regions that IETM has not been able to reach.  

Will I sign a contract?

Yes, IETM will ask you to sign an agreement stipulating the commitments of both parties. 

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes, you will receive a certificate by email after the IETM Plenary Meeting 2025. 

What is the time commitment required for the programme?

For January to June 2025 you are expected to attend all online sessions and a 4-day-long physical IETM meeting in mid-May 2025. The exact dates of the Plenary will be communicated in the programme agreement. 

I was an IETM member in the past, but I cancelled my membership. Can I apply for Global Connect?

Yes, you can!