Open Call Bau AIR Base 2025

Residencies for experienced, independent dance and performance makers 
Apply now using this application form

Deadline 15 April 2025


What is Bau AIR Base?
Bau runs an artist-in-residence programme called Bau AIR. An integral part of this is an annual residency, for which we have an open call. From 2025, we call it Bau Air Base.


Bau AIR Base is a six-week residency for experienced, independent makers in the (performing) arts who are in need for a studio space to explore the themes of a new project and/or to immerse themselves in new ways of working, presenting or collaborating. 


Who is it for? 
We invite anyone to submit a research plan who 


- has established a working practice with a clear artistic signature, 
- has independently developed at least five projects 
- has received professional recognition (as evidenced by presentations at recognised venues, festivals, presentation institutions and/or media attention)
- works at the intersection of dance, performance, mime or other artistic work involving movement and the body
- and has followed an professional art education or is self-taught with a proven professional practice


* You must meet all of these conditions to be eligible for the residency


We are interested in makers who go off the beaten track and are willing to contribute to the meeting place that is Bau. We encourage conversation between makers and an audience interested in the development of new work. Therefore, we ask specifically about audience engaging activities you plan to undertake during your residency. An informal presentation is a regular part of the residency.


Bau encourages choreographers and artists from diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds to apply, including those working in crossovers with, for example, mime, visual arts, music, theatre and/or circus. The artistic style (of dance) is less important in the selection process than the content plan and the meaningful role the residency can play in it.


Deadline 15 April 2025
You can use this form to submit your research proposal before 23:59 on 15 April 2025.


Among other things, we ask for


- Biography, max 100 words
- Cv
- Research plan, max 300 words 
- Public outreach activities in relation to the research, max 100 words
- Idea for final presentation, max 150 words
- Explanation of how the residency will contribute to your artistic development, 300 words 
- Agreement to collaborate on the publicity about the residency 


It’s possible to save the information in between and continue working on it afterwards. The maximum size of your submission is 1 GB and the working language can be Dutch or English.


Video submission
It’s possible to present your plan for the residency in a video of maximum 5 minutes. In this case, please fill in the form 'Open Call 2025 video', including a link to the video showing your residency plan. 


Planned dates for the 2025 residencies
29.08 - 10.10, large studio (10 x 14m)
10.10 - 21.11, small studio (10 x 10m)
06.11 - 18.12, large studio (10 x 14m)


In the form you can indicate which period(s) and studio you prefer.


What does Bau AIR Base offer? 
- A six-week research period in a 10x10m or 10x14m studio, depending on the period. 
- A grant of € 6,000 excl. VAT including costs for travel, accommodation, materials, technology and/or the fair payment of other creatives/staff. 
- Weekly lunches to discuss ongoing issues with the Bau team
- Practical and artistic advice
- New contacts with professionals/organisations in the cultural field and a suitable audience
- Online visibility and new visual material

 

Please note
- It’s not possible to apply for more than one research project or to combine research for more than one project. 
- The residency is not intended for the final production of a work.
- Recent graduates are not eligible.


The selection  
The Bau AIR team, supported by an annual panel of creative and industry professionals, selects three entries from the applications received. The selection criteria are:
 

- The maker is experienced, lives in the Netherlands and works in the (interdisciplinary) performing arts 
- The artistic quality of the maker and his/her proposal is outstanding 
- The artistic research is urgent, both in form (techniques) and content
- A well-articulated research need in which Bau plays a significant role
- A plan in which a dance studio is essential 
- Ideas proposed for the final presentation


In June 2025 we will announce who the selected Bau AIR Base residents are. There will be no correspondence about the results. 


Contact us 
Do you have any questions? Please contact us at air@bau.amsterdam


RESIDENCY FAQ 


What is important to include in the residency plan?
A clearly motivated research plan is more important than the dance/art style you are working in. Explain what you are working on, why it is relevant and how you will explore it during your residency. How do you intend to interpret the six weeks? For example, are you thinking about new collaborations? Or do you want to deepen a working method, develop a form of presentation or test the impact of a musical composition? And why?


Do I need to live in the Netherlands?
Yes, the residency is only open to makers living in the Netherlands. 


What is an 'experienced maker'?  
Bau AIR Base is for makers who have developed a clear artistic direction which they wish to deepen. It’s not for emerging makers or makers who have recently completed a bachelor's programme. Therefore, our guideline is that someone has developed and realised at least five projects independently. For which they have received recognition from the field, e.g. in the form of presentations on renowned stages, at festivals or presenting institutions, prizes or media attention. Master students who can demonstrate this can also apply.


What is included in the fee?  
The fee of € 6,000 excl. VAT includes travel, accommodation and material costs, hiring of technology and other makers/staff. Your research at Bau should not overlap with other sources of funding in your budget. 


Can you arrange accommodation in Amsterdam for me and/or my collaborators?  

No.


I have submitted my proposal and would like to send additional information, is that possible? 

It’s not possible to send additional information after submitting the form. Only complete applications will be processed.  


What if I unexpectedly have to interrupt my residency? Can I come back later?  
In principle, the selection for the residency is binding. In unexpected situations we will see what is possible.


What do you mean by a final presentation?  
By this we mean a presentation with which you close the residency, which is free to form and content and always for an audience. It could be a lecture performance about the outcome of your research, an in-depth exchange with an inspirer you consulted, or a performance. The presentation can take place indoors or outdoors, at Bau or, if possible, with a partner in the city.  

 

Do I have to give a final public presentation?  
The Bau AIR programme encourages the exchange of knowledge and interaction with an audience. Therefore, a final presentation is an integral part of each residency. 

 

If I have received an Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst project grant, can I combine it with the residency?
It’s possible to combine them, as long as the AFK and Bau are aware of it and your research budget does not overlap with other funding sources.

 

Can I apply more than once per application round?  
No, we would like to receive one project proposal per application round. It is not possible to combine several research proposals in one application.

 

Will I receive feedback on my application if it is rejected? 
Unfortunately this is not possible. 

 

Can I invite people to participate in my residency? 
Yes, you can decide who you want to work with. The costs are your own, there is no additional fee from Bau. All participants/makers should be paid fair.

 

What is an independent maker?
A choreographer or artist who does not receive a structural grant and is not structurally linked to a production house.