International Playwright Exchange – Writing Across Borders is an international artistic development project for playwrights and dramaturgs working in the field of theatre for children and young audiences. The project is developed and led by ASSITEJ Sweden, Kinder-und Jugendtheaterzentrum in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (KJTZ) and Fonds Podiumkunsten, the Netherlands.
Bringing together participants from Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands, the project creates a space for artistic exchange, professional development and international dialogue. Over the course of three multi-day meetings, each taking place in one of the participating countries, participants will explore contemporary narrative forms, share and reflect on their own artistic practice, and discuss what it means today to write for young audiences in Europe.
Three playwrights and/or dramaturgs from each participating country – Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands – will be selected to take part in the project. Applicants should be professionally active playwrights and/or dramaturgs with an interest in, or experience of, creating work for children and young audiences. The project welcomes applicants with different artistic backgrounds, working methods and levels of professional experience.
There are three physical meetings:
- 19–21 November 2026 – Frankfurt Forum Young Theatre, Germany
- 19–23 January 2027 – Gathering in the Netherlands, Amsterdam
- 3–6 June 2027 – Final meeting and public encounter in Sweden during the Swedish Performing Arts Biennial in Jönköping (subject to funding)
Participants are also expected to take part in digital meetings and ongoing exchange between the physical encounters.
The programme includes three international gatherings in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Participation is free of charge. Accommodation, meals and travel costs related to the project are covered by the organisers.
