The Producers’ Academy is an international group of producers that gather with peers for four days in Brussels during Kunstenfestivaldesarts, from 19 to 22 May 2026.
The Producers’ Academy is a dedicated time to reflect, think, co-learn, encounter, and question the practice of the producer. With open minds and open hearts, integrity and fun, this four-day seminar delves into the current urgencies and issues around producing work and being a producer. It also takes place during Kunstenfestivaldesarts, an international performing arts festival in Brussels.
In 2026, the Producers’ Academy will focus on practices of producing participatory projects and/or contextualised work. Facilitated by curator and dramaturg Bek Berger (DE), these four days will be dedicated to tackling some of the ethical questions linked with participation and public space, enlightened by the perspective of producers Rita Serra e Silva (PT) and Rita Westwood (PT). There will also be methodologies to support collaborative work within projects, such as Action Learning with Rachel Nelken (UK) and Delia Barker (UK).
The different subjects will be explored while talking, listening, walking or playing, using the expertise of inspirational guests and the knowledge within the room.
Criteria of eligibility
- Special focus and priority to producers who are working in/with public space and/or participatory projects
- Open to producers/cultural entrepreneurs who have developed or are in the process of developing innovative way(s) to support creation in an international dimension and/or with a trans-sectorial approach (decolonisation, feminism, fair practices, climate change, accessibility, etc.)
- Producers from all nationalities
- At least five years of experience as a producer in the performing arts sector
- Language: English
Participation is free of charge (Programme includes lunch + two performances at KFDA). Cifas offers a limited number of travel grants to support producers from countries where little or no financial support is available for international mobility.
