Frei Art Connect sees itself as a platform for international collaboration between curators, directors of international production houses and festivals, and as an association of people with leadership responsibilities in the field of contemporary dance. In recent years, the network has created new formats for collaboration and exchange through a shared vision and trust.

The Choreographers Summit is a new pilot format within the framework of Frei Art Connect – and an invitation to explore new ways of working together in the international dance scene.
The focus is not only on artistic excellence and visibility, but above all on mutual support, the development of long-term relationships and a shared commitment to a solidarity-based, networked cultural landscape.

From over 150 international applications, an international jury has selected six outstanding short pieces, which will be presented live at the Frei Art Festival in Freiburg on September 17, 2025.

From 150 applications from all over the world, the jury has selected six pieces that will be shown as part of the Choreographers Summit during the Frei Art Festival:

• Julia Kayser & Théo Vanpop (Spain)
  Warm Weight – ACTO III

• Lucas Viallefond (France)
  Before the eyelids fall

• Po Cheng Tsai / B.Dance (Taiwan)
  Floating Flowers

• Constantin Trommlitz (Germany / Netherlands)
  Antibodies

• Milena Ugren Koulas & Stylish Junkies Collective (Cyprus)
  Dead Mouse

• Jeanne Garcia / Kunstorain (France)
  Eponyms

Each participating company has the chance to win one or more partner awards—including residencies, performance opportunities, mentoring programs, or festival invitations—sponsored by renowned institutions from across Europe (and beyond). Many of these awards are openly worded—an invitation to jointly develop new formats and exchange models.

The awards will be presented at the Choreographers Summit on September 17, 2025.

In the spirit of a trusting collaboration, the partners award prizes to the participating artists, giving them the opportunity to continue working on their pieces and gain international exposure. At the same time, the format brings new impetus to the local dance scene.

• Corinne Eckenstein – Tanzhaus Basel, Switzerland

• Francesca Tranter – Dance Festival Malta, Malta

• Milan Emmanuel – Detours Festival, Brussels, Belgium

• Tobias Ehinger & Jas Otrin – Theater Dortmund, Germany

• Nathalie Medina – Masdanza Festival, Spain

• Asun Noales – Abril en Danza / Center Chorégraphique Elche, Spain

• Evelyn Bircher – Quai de Scène, France

• Thusnelda Mercy – Tanzstation Barmer Bahnhof, Germany

• Raffaele Irace – Lucky Trimmer & Solocoreografico, Germany / Italy

• Atanas Maev – Derida Dance Center / Festival, Bulgaria

• Chantal Kohlmeyer – Frei Art Festival / Studio Pro Arte, Germany