IETM – International network for contemporary performing arts is one of the oldest and largest international cultural networks in the world, uniting the voice of over 450 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. With the needs of the performing arts sector in mind, IETM constantly researches, shares and promotes 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 creates multiple networking opportunities, peer-to-peer learning, exchanges and dialogues via different activities: events, training opportunities, membership programmes, partnerships, advocacy actions, research and publications, and dissemination of key information for the performing arts.

IETM aims to make our network more diverse and our activities more inclusive and accessible, reaching out to performing arts professionals from all backgrounds (ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, physical abilities, social conditions, languages, working and employment status, age, career path and geographical location).

Read more about IETM’s Governance and Structure

Global Connect is an IETM programme created with and supported by the IETM Associate Members.

Global Connect is built on IETM’s vision of a global membership and an inclusive, diverse, accessible and eco-responsible network. 

Since 2021, the programme has supported 54 Global Connectors, performing arts leaders and innovators from five continents, who are driving a tangible shift in IETM with their important voices, perspectives and knowledge.

Meet the IETM Global Connectors Alumni

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

• Contribute towards IETM’s activities and development by bringing fresh perspectives to the network;
• Expand their international network and find new collaborators and partners;
• Offer international visibility of innovative practices and ideas;
• Develop new skills and knowledge through peer-to-peer learning.

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 2026 until the end of 2030) 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 activities: From January to May 2026, the selected Global Connectors will be involved in a number of online community-building activities:
   

1. Introductory session for all Global Connectors in Mid-January 2025.
    
2. 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. Global Connectors networking session in late February.
    
4. Participation in the very first ‘Global Connect’ podcast: a 5-episode series featuring conversation between two Global Connectors facilitated by current IETM members. The episodes will be recorded across March and the episodes will be released between April and June.
    
5. Online live testimonies from members of the Global Connectors Alumni in May.

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 2026 will receive funding support to attend the IETM Plenary Meeting 2026 taking place in Oulu, Finland on 15-18 June 2026. 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 you are available to travel to Finland on 15-18 June 2026. The Global Connectors 2026 will be able to experience the Plenary as IETM members, having access to all the programme’s talks, workshops, experiences, networking sessions and more. In addition, they will specifically participate in:

  - A live networking activity to facilitate connections with the other IETM members;

  - One private session reserved for both the Global Connectors 2026 and the Alumni from the previous editions who will be attending the Plenary.

IETM Global Connect is open to all 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 2026 edition of the programme. 

Eligibility criteria:

• Applicants should be currently working in the contemporary performing arts (except for live music) based anywhere in the world and with all backgrounds. Particular attention will be given towards professionals from areas or countries where IETM has low membership or no members at all and individuals who consider themselves part of underrepresented groups in the performing arts landscape. 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, diversity and sustainability in their work practices.
• 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 Finland for the IETM Plenary Meeting in 2026 in Oulu, Finland, on 15-18 June 2026. 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.

*Current IETM members refer to any professionals who have a stable work relationship with any current IETM members or have a membership in their own name. You can check the IETM internal rules here.

Applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be assessed on the basis of: 

• Motivation, reasons and urgency for applying for Global Connect and becoming part of the IETM community.
• Knowledge and connections within their local context, and consequent impact of their work in their community.
• Their involvement in innovative and/or indigenous models and practices, and willingness to share them with the international scene.
• How the IETM membership will impact the career and personal development of the applicant over the next five years.

Moreover:

• IETM is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion by encouraging applications from professionals who identify as part of underrepresented communities in the IETM network and in their own context.
• Skills and experiences as speakers and/or facilitators are considered a plus.

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee which includes two professional evaluators and IETM team members, with the support of representatives of the IETM Associate Members.

You can now apply to become an IETM Global Connector 2026 via the button below.

Before applying, please make sure to log into your IETM account, or create one*, and to read the aims and criteria of the open call.

The open call closed on Thursday 9 October 2025 at 23:59 CEST . Results will be communicated by email by the mid-December 2025. 

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 leaders 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 2026. 

What is the time commitment required for the programme?

For January to June 2026 you are expected to attend all online sessions and a 4-day-long physical IETM meeting in Oulu on 15-18 June 2026.

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

Yes, you can!