As a production space for rehearsing and performing experimental works in the fields of the performing arts and contemporary music, the Frankfurt LAB has offered residencies since 2014, in order to support artistic experimentation and to create sustainable synergies between the artists in residence and Frankfurt LAB partner institutions (Ensemble Modern, Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company, Hessische Theaterakademie, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt am Main and Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm).

Since 2021, Frankfurt LAB has been cooperating with the foundation KfW Stiftung as part of “Frankfurt Moves!”. “Frankfurt Moves!” is an initiative of the KfW Stiftung to promote artistic exchange and intercultural dialogue. In cooperation with Frankfurt LAB, international emerging artists working in the performing arts (performance, dance, theatre, music) are offered space and time for the (further) development of their artistic work.

Promising professional young artists from the performing arts sector, who were trained in Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the WANA region, are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Special consideration will be given to those who live and work in the aforementioned regions at the time of application. The complete application criteria can be found in the open call.

A jury will select four artists / artistic teams (1 - 2 people) who will initially be invited to Frankfurt am Main for a four-week stay. There they will have access to the professional venue of Frankfurt LAB and receive dramaturgical support. At the end of their stay, they will have the opportunity to present the results publicly. After their residency in Frankfurt, the scholarship holders will receive support to continue their artistic research in their home contexts for another month. Virtual meetings will enable the dialogue between the artists and the institutions to continue, and cultural networks will be strengthened worldwide.
The scholarship program includes a stipend, documentation costs, travel and accommodation costs, and the opportunity to network with cultural professionals from the region.

The next residency period is:
July 20 to August 16, 2026 (Frankfurt)
August 17 to September 19, 2026 (remote)

Artists in Residence 2025:
Meghna Bhardwaj and Denis Barwa (India)
Aaron Kaiser Garcia (Philippines)
Yuck Miranda and João Felisberto Armando/Jotta (Mozambique)
Miguel Valdivieso and Marta Salinas (Bolivia/Argentina)

Artists in Residence 2024:
Catalina Corredor and Mariano Landa (Argentina)
Philiswa Lila and ivukuvuku (South Africa)
Idylla Silmarovi, David Maurity and Rafael Bacelar (remote) (Brazil)
Jana Bou Matar and Ali Al Samra (Lebanon)

Artists in Residence 2023:
Hana Abdelnabi & Hend Abu Hassanein (Palestine)
Mehdi Dahkan (Morocco)
Wezile Harmans (South Africa)
Omayra Martínez Garzón (Argentina/Colombia)
Trần Minh Hải (Vietnam)

Artists in Residence 2022:
Carla Tapparo (Argentina)
Stephanie Kayal &Abed Kobeissy (Lebanon)
Emmanuel Ndefo & Femi Adebajo (Nigeria)
Manjari Kaul, Savita Rani & Priiya (India)

Artists in Residence 2021 (This is not Lebanon):
Ghida Hachicho
Bassem Saad
Ali Eyal
Marwa Arsanios

"Frankfurt Moves!" is an initiative of the KfW Stiftung to promote artistic exchange and intercultural dialogue with different partners in the region. The scholarship programme in cooperation with the Frankfurt LAB supports international emerging artists in the performing arts.