CLOSE ENOUGH — Research LAB — 28.8.-30.8.2026 in Luxembourg
OPEN CALL
CLOSE ENOUGH — Research LAB — 28.8.-30.8.2026 in Luxembourg
Hosted by choreographer Anne-Mareike Hess and dramaturg Heike Bröckerhoff in collaboration with utopic productions and with the support of neimënster (Centre Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumünster), this Research LAB invites performing artists to join a 2,5-day exchange exploring the theme: Intimacy and proximity – the relationship between artwork, performer, and audience.
About the LAB
utopic productions is a Luxembourg-based platform supporting the artistic work of Anne-Mareike Hess, whose choreographic practice explores the body as a site of resistance, transformation and connection. Alongside the creation of performances, the company develops formats for research, transmission and exchange.
This ResearchLAB creates a shared space for experimentation, dialogue, and reflection. Together, a small group of artists will investigate how intimacy is created, negotiated, or challenged in performative contexts, and how proximity — physical, emotional, or imagined — shapes the encounter between performer and audience.
Each selected artist will facilitate a 1.5–2 h session for the other participants, offering insight into their practice and exploring the role that intimacy and proximity plays within their creative work. This sharing can take various forms—such as workshops, lecture-demonstrations, guided discussions, collective exercises, or performative proposals—depending on the nature of the practice.
Focus
We are interested in questions such as:
- What types of intimacy exist in performative settings?
- How to create intimacy between performer and audience, how to create an intimate atmosphere?
- What role do vulnerability and presence play?
- How can we create connection without overexposure?
- How close is too close?
- How to negotiate boundaries?
- Is intimacy always a question of scale and physical proximity?
Format
Duration: 2,5 days / 28.8.-30.8.2026 (arrival 28.8. early morning or depending from where in Europe you travel, arrival might be on 27.3. / departure 30.8. afternoon)
Location: Luxembourg / neimënster - Centre Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumünster
Number of participants: 3 artists will be invited - from which 1 artist based in Luxembourg and 2 artists based in Europe
Working formats:
- 4 slots of 1,5-2h - each session is prepared by one of the participants.
- moderated discussions
- informal conversations like a walk & talk, going for a drink, cooking
- a Sunday breakfast where we open our lab for other artists
Who can apply?
We are looking for 3 artists working in the field of performing arts (dance, performance, theatre, interdisciplinary practices) who are interested in process-based research and exchange.
Conditions
- Fee: every artist will get a fee of 720€ covering the facilitation of a 1.5–2 hour session, participation in the full 2.5-day Research LAB, and the submission of a written reflection on the experience within one week after the LAB.
- Per Diem: every artist will get a Per Diem of 35€/day (3 days)
- Travel : covered for international artists traveling within Europe to a max of 250€ per person
- Accommodation: provided for international artists in single rooms (with cooking facilities) at Centre Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumünster
- Working language: English
How to apply?
Please email:
- A DIN A4 page with your motivation and interest to participate, a short concept about which artistic strategies you have developed in the context of your work and in which format you would like to present your approaches to your colleagues. Please explain why you have chosen this format and which technical means you will need.
- A short bio
- Links to previous work
subject: CLOSE ENOUGH — Research LAB application
Deadline: May 15th 2026
Selected artists will be informed by: 1st of June 2026
More info about us: https://www.annemareikehess.com/