Bears in the Park is seeking innovative Vienna-based artists and collectives to join the next round of the “Huggy Bears Supporting Program.” This program is designed for emerging artists who have already been working with dance or performance art. The aim is to create a special transdisciplinary learning environment, fostering shared knowledge and collaboration.
The program runs from March 2026 until November 2026, offering participants project support, including administrative, technical, financial, and artistic help. Regular feedback sessions with the group and the Bears in the Park team will create an intensive learning atmosphere. Along the way, participants will showcase their working process at various events. Collaborations with brut, WUK.performingarts, and ImPulsTanz are part of the program, which culminates in a final premiere at WUK.performingarts and studio brut. (For reference, this year’s Huggy Bears days are from November 6-7 at WUK.performingarts and from November 12-14 at studio brut).
From research to rehearsal to performance, the different phases of creation will be met with care, curiosity, and professional guidance. Each year, 3-4 projects (either individual artists or collectives) are selected. The program’s goal is to place these artists on Vienna’s performance art map and help them build connections with audiences and other professionals.
The program is led by Philippe Riéra and Charlotte Bastam. To learn more about the team, past Huggy Bears artists, and the activities of Bears in the Park, visit our website or Instagram.
The Supporting Program includes:
- Monthly feedback sessions with Bears in the Park staff and fellow Huggy Bears participants.
- Dramaturgy and coaching support upon request.
- Opportunities to showcase work-in-progress, such as during “Handle with Care” at brut Wien’s imagetanz festival in March/April 2026.
- Prioritized access to studio space for the entire program period (24/7 availability).
- Networking opportunities with Vienna’s performance art scene and programmers.
- Exclusive workshops on production, outreach, sound, video, and lighting.
- Free workshops and free tickets to join the ImPulsTanz Festival 2025.
- Giving a workshop and having a sharing opportunity at Soho Studio, Vienna (to be confirmed).
- Consults and support with administrative and production issues.
- Financial support (BMKKWS, Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport).
Who can apply?
We invite performers, dancers, and creatives working in time-based art forms to apply. Applicants should keep in mind that their projects should be designed for premiers on the stages of brut and WUK.performingarts.
It is essential that the project leader is based in Vienna, as attending feedback sessions, workshops, and events is mandatory. We place a lot of importance on building a supportive group, so both giving and receiving feedback are key parts of the program. Therefore, attending meetings and participating in all aspects of the program is essential.
How to apply:
Applicants should outline how they plan to use the supporting program for their proposed project. This should include not only the project’s content but also ideas on how to bring it to life.[1]
Application requirements (first round):
- CV and/or artist bio for each team member.
- Project description (maximum 1 page).
- Portfolio with only relevant material (photos, video links, etc.) of previous and current work. Maximum 4 pages.
- Motivation letter explaining why you want to join the program and how you plan to use its resources.
Please note, that we only accept one submission per person/group!
Please submit all materials combined in one single PDF (!), labeled with your surname, by November 3, 2025, to charlotte@bearsinthepark.org.
Second round: Successful applicants will be invited for an interview between December 1-5, 2025. The jury includes the Philippe Riéra and Charlotte Bastam from Bears in the Park. For the interviews and 2nd round choreographer and performance artist and former Huggy Bear Sara Lanner will join the jury. Selected participants will be announced in early January 2026.
[1] Please, note that our working language is English, and sufficient proficiency is required for feedback sessions and general communication. However, projects with German as their main language are welcome as well.