International Coproduction Fund (IKF)

This fund exists to make new work happen between musicians in different countries and partners in Germany. It backs the creation of new productions, or the further development of existing ones, in music, theatre, dance and performance — including interdisciplinary and hybrid pieces, and work using digital media where that makes sense. The collaboration has to be real: the application must show genuine shared authorship, not a German partner bolted on for eligibility.

Only legal entities based outside Germany, Austria and Switzerland can apply. That means an ensemble, association, foundation, institution or company — individual artists are not eligible unless they apply through a legal structure of their own. What counts is where you actually live and work, not your passport. Applications from developing and transition countries are particularly encouraged.

Grants run from €15,000 to €30,000 and can cover fees, travel and production costs, but never more than 75% of the total, so you need verifiable own or third-party funds, including in-kind contributions, for the rest. Accessibility costs are covered separately. Not eligible: commercial work, commissions, guest performances and tours, residencies, recordings, and anything without a live performative element. Projects that have already started, or where flights are booked, are out unless you request an early start in writing first.

The application is online in English, with a project description and a finance plan on the Foundation's template. One easily missed requirement: you must have told the Goethe-Institut in your country about the project before applying, or it will not be considered. Assessment weighs artistic quality, how balanced the partnership genuinely is, the standing of the artists involved, and whether the finance plan holds up. A jury decides roughly three months after the deadline; projects run a maximum of twelve months. The current round closes 12 October 2026 for projects starting January 2027.