International Funding Guide

Danish missions abroad can use arts and culture to build and strengthen relationships, create dialogue and connect Danish cultural actors with new audiences, partners and professional environments. International cultural cooperation can take many forms – from exhibitions, performances and festivals to professional exchange, partnerships and longer-term collaborations.

The strongest projects are rooted in mutual and local interest. When Danish and international cultural actors come together around shared ideas and priorities, cultural cooperation can create new perspectives, strengthen professional networks and provide a basis for collaboration that continues beyond the individual project.

Using this guide

This guide is intended as a practical resource for Danish representations abroad. It provides an overview of selected funding opportunities, key organisations, and relevant events and platforms across different cultural fields.
The guide can be used as a starting point for identifying funding opportunities, relevant Danish cultural actors and potential areas for international collaboration.

The Danish Arts Foundation’s overview of previous grant recipients can be used as a point of reference when identifying Danish artists, organisations and projects within the different artistic fields. The list provides an overview of recipients of grants and project funding and can be filtered within the different artistic fields.

For missions interested specifically in emerging artists, the Danish Arts Foundation’s career programme Den Unge Kunstneriske Elite may provide another useful starting point. The programme supports artists across several artistic fields at an early stage of their careers through a two-year tailored career programme.

Denmark’s international cultural cooperation
Denmark’s international cultural cooperation is based on an agreement between the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Danish Ministry of Culture. This cooperation aims to support Denmark’s key foreign-policy priorities, promote Danish cultural export and intercultural dialogue, strengthen the international visibility of Denmark and contribute to the renewal of Danish art and culture through international collaboration.

The cooperation is guided by the Strategic Framework for 2025-2027. This framework has two main priorities: cultural diplomacy and Denmark’s cultural export. Activities supported within the framework should be of high professional quality, be rooted in mutual and locally relevant partnerships between Danish and international actors, contribute to lasting networks and partnerships, and support the positive visibility of Denmark.

Funding within this cooperation is provided through the Danish Arts Foundation’s funding programmes and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture’s joint funding scheme.

The Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces supports the implementation of the cooperation agreement by administering funds, providing advice and facilitating cooperation between Danish and international partners. Its work also includes cultural activities related to state and official visits, cultural agreements and programmes, as well as other diplomatic occasions and celebrations.

The Ministry of Culture Denmark’s and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s fund for International Cultural Collaboration

The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly provide funding for international cultural cooperation. The scheme supports Danish arts and culture that contributes to the priorities of cultural diplomacy and Denmark’s cultural export.

Who may apply?

• Professional Danish cultural actors at an institutional or organisational level.
• Danish missions abroad may apply for projects carried out in cooperation with international partners.
• Foreign missions in Denmark may apply for support for visiting programmes for professional arts and cultural actors, carried out in cooperation with Danish cultural partners.

What can be funded?

Applications may be made for support for carrying out projects that support the priorities of cultural diplomacy and Denmark’s cultural export.

• Cultural diplomacy
  • Specific cultural projects that support major political initiatives abroad and special areas of endeavour.
  • The strategic cultural endeavours of the missions.
  • Danish missions’ responsive work with cultural diplomacy
• Cultural export
  • Endeavours supporting opportunities to develop and promote Denmark’s cultural exports within the areas of art and culture.

Application deadline

The funding scheme has one annual deadline.
 

Further information

For more information visit the Agency for Culture and Palaces' site on The Strategic Framework

International cooperation provides opportunities for Danish architects and architectural organisations to present their work abroad, exchange knowledge and perspectives, and develop professional networks and partnerships across borders. International activities can also contribute to the visibility and development of Danish architecture and create connections between Danish and international architectural environments.

The Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Architecture supports the artistic development of architecture in Denmark and Danish architecture abroad through grants, projects and international activities.

Funding programmes

Projektstøtte for arkitektur

Who may apply?

Applicants wishing to carry out a project that promotes and communicates the artistic dimension of architecture may apply.
Both individuals and groups and may apply.

What can be funded?

Funding is available for architectural projects that promote and communicate the artistic dimension of architecture. Projects may include, for example, communication, projects, exhibitions and architectural experiments.

Application deadline

Two annual deadlines. 

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's application portal

Events, festivals and fairs

Biennale Architettura – Venice Architecture Biennale

The Venice Architecture Biennale is a major international exhibition and meeting place for architecture. Held every two years in Venice, it brings together national presentations, architects and professionals from around the world.
The Danish Architecture Center (DAC) has been appointed by the Danish Ministry of Culture as the official commissioner for the Danish contribution to the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Link to Biennale Architettura's official website

Key institutions and organisations

Danish Architecture Center (DAC)

Danish Architecture Center (DAC) is Denmark’s national centre for architecture. Through exhibitions, events and professional activities, DAC engages both the public and professionals in how architecture and design can contribute to the development of our built environment.
Link to Danish Architecture Center's official website

Utzon Center

Utzon Center is a cultural and knowledge centre for architecture, design and art. Its exhibitions present leading architects and contemporary developments within architecture and design. The centre was Jørn Utzon’s final work created with his son, architect Kim Utzon.
Link to Utzon Center's offical website

International activities provide opportunities for Danish craftspeople and designers to present their work abroad, reach new audiences and develop professional networks and partnerships across borders.

The Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Craft and Design Project Funding supports the development and promotion of craft and design in Denmark and Danish craft and design abroad through funding for a range of projects and activities.

Funding programmes

Craft and design projects in Denmark and abroad

Who may apply?

The Committee for Craft and Design Project Funding funds artists, designers, curators, authors, promoters, museums, galleries, organisations and others with an interest in developing and promoting craft and design in Denmark and Danish craft and design abroad in the form of projects.

What can be funded?

Projects may include:

• exhibitions and dissemination projects that involve works by contemporary artists and designers in Denmark and/or abroad
• residencies and exchange/work stays
• production of works
• presentations and other forms of dissemination
• editorial content production for media
• travel funding in connection with specific exhibitions and tasks
• funding for establishing a business and international cooperation on the production of new types of Danish craft and design.

Application deadline

Two annual deadlines.

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's application portal 

Events, festivals and fairs

Copenhagen Fashion Week

Copenhagen Fashion Week is the largest fashion week in Northern Europe and is held twice a year, in January / February and August. The organisation also works to accelerate sustainability efforts within the fashion industry through its Sustainability Requirements framework.
Link to Copenhagen Fashion Week's official website

The Biennale for Craft and Design

The Biennale for Craft & Design presents contemporary craft and design practitioners within a changing thematic framework, supporting professional development and highlighting the field’s relevance to contemporary society.
Link to The Biennale for Craft and Design's offical website

The Mindcraft Project

The Mindcraft Project is a curated platform for explorative and experimental design from Denmark. It presents Danish designers and makers to an international audience through exhibitions, designer profiles and editorial content.
Link to The Mindcraft Project's official website

3daysofdesign

The festival brings together Danish and international designers, brands and design professionals to showcase and celebrate creativity through exhibitions, talks, product launches and other events across Copenhagen. Denmark is known as a design nation the world over, and Copenhagen is its creative cohort and host of 3daysofdesign.
Link to 3daysofdesign's official website

Key institutions and organisations

ALPHA

A Nordic non-profit organisation supporting emerging fashion talent across the Nordic region. It also collaborates with companies and organisations on tailored talent projects, including exhibitions, films, talks and other creative initiatives.
Link to ALPHA's official website

CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art Denmark

Presents ceramic art and craft through temporary exhibitions and its permanent collection, which ranges from historic Royal Copenhagen porcelain to experimental works by contemporary artists.
Link to CLAY's official website

Danish Architecture Center (DAC)

DAC is Denmark’s national centre for architecture. Through exhibitions, events and professional activities, DAC engages both the public and professionals in how architecture and design shape the way we live and the development of our cities and surroundings.
Link to Danish Architecture Center's official website

Danish Crafts & Design Association (DKoD)

A national organisation for professional designers and craftspeople, working to promote Danish craft and design and strengthen the professional field.
Link to Danske Kunsthåndværkere & Designere's official website

Designmuseum Denmark

One of Scandinavia’s leading museums for Danish and international design, decorative arts and craft. Its collections and exhibitions provide insight into Denmark’s design history as well as contemporary developments in the field.
Link to Design Museum Denmark's official website

Trapholt – museum of modern art, craft and design

Presents exhibitions of art, design and craft and holds its own collections, including an extensive collection of Danish furniture design.
Link to Trapholt's official website

Bringing literature across borders depends on translation, publishing and strong connections between literary environments. International cooperation can introduce Danish literature and authors to new readers, while creating opportunities for exchange and collaboration between Danish and international publishers, translators, agents, festivals and other literary professionals.
Libraries also play an important role in promoting literature, reading and access to literary culture, and can provide a platform for literary events, exchange and collaboration across borders.

The Danish Art Foundation’s Committee for Literary Project Funding works to promote Danish literature abroad and facilitate literary exchange between Denmark and other countries. Through funding schemes and international initiatives, the committee supports translation, publishing, literary events and professional exchange.

Funding programmes

Fund for Literary Production and Translation

Who may apply?

Publishing houses and other publishers of Danish literary works in translation may apply. Nordic publishers should apply to the Nordic Translations programme instead.

What can be funded?

Grants are based on the overall quality of the work, the qualifications of the translator, the applicant’s consideration of the publication’s relevance, current interest and necessity. As a rule, the committee gives priority to works by living authors rather than deceased ones unless an authorship has new life and current interest.

Application deadline

Two annual deadlines.

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's application portal
 

Fund for Sample Translation from Danish

Who may apply?

Danish and foreign publishers and literary agencies may apply.

What can be funded?

Funding is available for sample translations of Danish works into foreign languages. A fixed grant is awarded for a 40-page sample translation of longer works, while a smaller fixed grant is available for illustrated literature and works of fewer than 100 pages.

Application deadline

Two annual deadlines.

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's official application portal

Fund for Nordic Translations

Who may apply?

The fund is open to Nordic publishers wishing to publish a work translated from Danish to a Nordic language.

What can be funded?

The fund covers inter-Nordic translation. The grants are funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the same rules apply to all Nordic countries. Application has to be made in the country of origin. This fund does not have fixed sums.

Application deadline

Two annual deadlines.

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's application portal

Fund for Literary Events and Projects

Who may apply?

Organisers of literary events, initiatives and literature presentation projects for children, young adults and adults may apply. Projects must be based on Danish literature. Translators and publishers may apply for mentor support for translators, and translators may apply for network support.

What can be funded?

Funding may support:

• festivals and events promoting Danish literature, authors and illustrators
• literature presentation projects with a Danish artistic focus
• translator networks and mentor support for translators
• research travel for foreign translators, agents and publishers
• other literary events and initiatives.

Application deadline

Two annual deadlines.

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's application portal

Events, festivals and fairs

Bogforum (Book fare)

Denmark’s largest book fair, bringing together publishers, authors and readers through talks, interviews, presentations and other literary events.
Link to Bogforum's offical website

Copenhagen Comics

A comics festival in Copenhagen presenting Danish and international comics creators through talks, exhibitions, workshops and other activities.
Link to Copenhagen Comics' official website

Literature Xchange

An international literature festival in Aarhus exploring the intersections between literature, research and sensory experiences. The programme presents Danish and international authors alongside talks, debates and events across the city.
Link to LiteratureXchange's official website

Louisiana Literature

An international literature festival held at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, presenting prominent Danish and international authors through readings, talks and conversations.
Link to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art's official website

World Literature on the Isle of Møn

A literary festival on the island of Møn presenting Danish and international literature in a concentrated weekend programme.
Link to World Literature on the Isle of Møn's official website

Key institutions and organisations

Danish Authors’ Society

A professional association for Danish authors and translators, working to improve professional conditions and providing its members with advice, information and professional activities.
Link to Danish Authors' Society's official website

Danish Fiction Writers

A professional association representing Danish fiction writers and working to strengthen their professional rights and conditions.
Link to Danish Fiction Writers' official website

Danish PEN

The Danish branch of PEN International, working to promote literature and defend the freedom of expression and the rights of writers.
Link to Dansk PEN official website

The Danish Association of Public Library Managers

Bibliotekschefforeningen (BCF) is a professional interest organisation for leaders and managers of Danish public libraries. BCF's primary focus is Danish public-library leadership and its activities are mainly national.
BCF and several members are also committed to European and international engagement and collaboration in the library sector.
Link to the Danish Association of Public Library Managers' website

The Danish Library Association

The Danish Library Association is a national membership organisation representing Denmark’s public libraries and advocating for library policy and development. It is also internationally engaged through professional networks and membership of international library organisations.
Link to the Danish Library Association's website

The Danish Research Library Association (DFFU)

The Danish Research Library Association is a joint organisation for research and academic libraries in Denmark and their employees.
DFFU seeks cooperation with related organisations both in Denmark and abroad.
Link to the Danish Research Library Association's official website

Det Kgl. Bibliotek (The Royal Danish Library)

Det Kgl. Bibliotek is Denmark's national library and also a major university and research library. Participates in international research, data, digitization and professional collaboration.
Link to The Royal Danish Library's official website

Danish museums preserve, develop and communicate knowledge about cultural and natural heritage, art and history. Through their collections, research and public activities, they contribute to making cultural heritage and knowledge accessible to different audiences.
Museums also operate in an international context, engaging with institutions and professional networks across borders. The organisations and institutions listed below provide an overview of key actors within the Danish museum field that may be relevant in an international context.

Key institutions and organisations

AROS

One of Northern Europe’s largest art museums, presenting Danish and international art ranging from the Danish Golden Age and modernism to contemporary art.
Link to AROS' offical website

Design Museum Denmark

One of Scandinavia’s leading museums for Danish and international design, decorative arts and craft, with collections and exhibitions spanning historical and contemporary design.
Link to Design Museum Denmark's official website

Glyptoteket

An art museum in Copenhagen with extensive collections ranging from antiquity to modern art, including ancient Mediterranean sculpture and Danish and French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Link to Glyptoteket's official website

The Hirschsprung Collection

Specialises in Danish art from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including works from the Danish Golden Age, the Skagen painters and Danish symbolism.
Link to Hirschsprung's Museum's official website

Kunsten

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg is housed in a building designed by Alvar Aalto and holds a collection of more than 4,000 works, primarily Danish and international art from the 20th century onwards.
Link to Kunsten's official website

KUNSTMUSEUM BRANDTs

A museum of art and visual culture in Odense. Its exhibitions and collections span historical and contemporary art, photography and visual culture, with both Danish and international perspectives.
Link to Kunstmuseum BRANDTs' official website

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

An internationally oriented museum of modern and contemporary art, presenting major exhibitions alongside its permanent collection of 20th- and 21st-century art.
Link til Louisiana's official website

Moesgaard

An archaeological and ethnographic museum that explores human history and culture through its collections, research and exhibitions.
Link to Moesgaard Museum's official website

Museum Sønderjylland

A regional museum organisation comprising several museums across Southern Jutland, with collections and activities covering archaeology, art, cultural history and natural history.
Link to Museum Sønderjylland's official website

M/S Maritime Museum

Located in Helsingør, the museum explores Denmark’s maritime history and its role as a major seafaring nation. The museum is designed by BIG and is built into a former dry dock.
Link to M/S Maritime Museum's official website

Natural History Museum Denmark

The museum is responsible for Denmark’s national natural history collections and conducts research and public engagement within the natural sciences. A new museum building in the Botanical Garden is scheduled to open in March 2027.
Link to Natural History Museum Denmark's official website

Ordrupgaard

The museum houses major collections of French Impressionist art and Danish art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Link to Ordrupgaard's official website

Skagens Museum

Holds an extensive collection of works by the Skagen Painters, including Anna and Michael Ancher, P.S. and Marie Krøyer, Laurits Tuxen, Viggo Johansen and Holger Drachmann.
Link to Skagens Museum's official website

The Association of Danish Museums (ODM)

ODM represents museums across Denmark and engages in international cooperation through Nordic and European museum networks, including NEMO and ICOM. International exchange also takes place through conferences, study visits, courses and professional networks.
Link to ODM's official website

SMK - The National Gallery

The museum holds the national collection of visual art, comprising Danish and international works from the 14th century to present.
Link to The National Gallery's official website

The National Museum

The National Museum of Denmark is the country’s principal museum of cultural history, with collections covering Danish history as well as cultures and societies from around the world.
Link to The National Museum's official website

The Royal Collection

Presents Danish royal and cultural history through five historic sites: Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Museum, Koldinghus, Christiansborg Palace and the Hermitage Palace.
Link to The Royal Collection's official website

The Workers’ Museum

Explores the history of working life, everyday life and the labour movement in Denmark from the late 19th-century to the present.
Link to The Workers' Museum's official website

Willumsens Museum

Dedicated to the Danish artist J.F. Willumsen and holds more than 8,000 of his works, as well as the artist’s private art collection.
Link to Willumsens Museum's official website

Music travels easily across borders, bringing artists, audiences and professional communities together. International activities can introduce Danish music to new audiences and markets, while creating opportunities for artistic exchange, knowledge-sharing and long-term collaboration between Danish and international music professionals.

The Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Music Project Funding supports the development of Danish music both in Denmark and abroad. Together with the Danish genre organisations, it supports a range of international activities, including concerts and touring, visiting programmes, networking and professional exchange.

Funding programmes

International Visiting Program and Networking Activities

Who may apply?

Actors working with or organising international activities in which music is the central element may apply. When collaborating with international music professionals, the application must be submitted by the Danish music actor.

What can be funded?

The programme supports international visiting programmes and activities that strengthen networks and dialogue between the Danish and international music scenes. Activities may include residencies, co-writing, work stays and production collaborations.

Application deadline

Two annual deadlines.

Link to further information

Link to The Danish Arts Foundation's application portal 

Commissioned Works

Who may apply?

Orchestras, ensembles, musicians or institutions wishing to perform or stage a performance of a new commissioned work by a Danish composer. The commissioner/applicant must have concluded an agreement with the artist/composer, who must have accepted the task and the commission. Foreign commissioners of works can also apply.

What can be funded?

The aim of this scheme is to provide grants to cover composer fees for commissioned works.

Application deadline

Two annual deadlines.

International Travel Support

Who may apply?

Professional Danish musicians, orchestras, ensembles or bands may apply for grants to cover international transport costs for engagements abroad.

Applications must be submitted through the relevant genre organisation – Art Music Denmark, JazzDanmark, ROSA or Tempi – depending on the applicant’s musical field. See the relevant genre organisation’s website for further information and current application requirements.

What can be funded?

International transport costs related to Danish musicians’, orchestras’, ensembles’, and bands’ professional engagements abroad.

Events, festivals and fairs

Copenhagen Distortion (Electronica)

An annual Copenhagen festival centred on electronic music, nightlife and street culture with events taking place across different parts of the city.An annual Copenhagen festival centred on electronic music, nightlife and street culture with events taking place across different parts of the city.
Link to Copenhagen Distortion's official website

Copenhagen Jazz Festival (Jazz)

An annual jazz festival held across Copenhagen, presenting Danish and international artists at clubs, concert halls and outdoor venues.
Link to Copenhagen Jazz Festival's official website

Copenhagen Opera Festival (Opera)

An annual opera festival presenting opera in traditional and unconventional venues across Copenhagen, featuring both Danish and international artists.
Link to Copenhagen Opera Festival's offical website

Copenhell (Metal)

One of northern Europe's leading rock and metal festivals. The festival is organised by rock and metal fans and held at Refshaleøen in Copenhagen.
Link to COPENHELL's offical website

G((o))NG TOMORROW (Contemporary Classical)

An annual Copenhagen festival for experimental music and sound art, presenting contemporary classical music, experimental popular music and electronica, often in cooperation with other art forms such as dance, architecture, video and design.
Link to G((o))ng Tomorrow's Instagram page

KLANG Copenhagen Avantgarde Festival (Contemporary Classical)

A Copenhagen festival for contemporary and experimental music, presenting new music through concerts and interdisciplinary projects. Link to KLANG Copenhagen Avantgarde Festival's official website

NorthSide Aarhus (Pop/Rock)

Rock and pop music festival held in June at Eskelunden in Aarhus, held since 2010, growing from a one-day event to a three-day festival. The festival is organised in cooperation with the German concert company FKP Scorpio.
Link to NorthSide's official website

Roskilde Festival (Pop/Rock)

The largest international music festival in Northern Europe. The festival has existed since 1971 and presents an up to date and progressive music program, plus an extensive programme of events, art and activities.
Link to Roskilde Festival's official website

Smukfest (Pop/Rock)

One of the oldest and largest Danish festivals, presenting Danish and international rock and pop since 1980 in the woods of Skanderborg in Jutland.
Link to Smukfest's official website

SPOR Festival (Contemporary Classical)

An annual festival in Aarhus for new sound art and art music. The programme is compiled every year by a curator.
Link to SPOR Festival's official website

Spot Festival (Up-Coming)

Three-day festival in Aarhus presenting up-coming Danish bands and guest bands from the Nordic countries, including concerts with pop/rock, jazz, world and contemporary music. An important meeting place for talent spotters, festival organisers, etc. from all over Europe.
Link to Spot Festival's official website

Stella Polaris (Electronica)

An outdoor electronic music festival with events in Danish cities, presenting DJs and electronic music in public green spaces.
Link to Stella Polaris' official website

STRØM (Electronica)

An annually recurring and growing electronic event and playground in August, one of the most important electronic music events in Northern Europe.
Link to STRØM's official website

SYD FOR SOLEN (Rock/Pop)

Rock and pop music festival held in August at Valbyparken in Copenhagen. A three-day festival organized by the music agency smash!bang!pow!
Link to SYD FOR SOLEN's official website

Tivoli Festival (Classical)

Tivoli’s summer programme for classical music, presenting Tivoli Copenhagen Phil alongside Danish and international soloists, conductors and ensembles.
Link to Tivoli's official website

Tinderbox Odense (Pop/Rock)

Rock and pop music festival held for the first time 2015 in June in Tusindårsskoven, Odense. The festival is organised in cooperation with the German concert company FKP Scorpio. Link to Tinderbox's official website

Tønder Festival (Folk)

The major folk music festival in Denmark taking place in Tønder each year in the last week of August. The festival site has a capacity of nearly 4,000 in two large tents. Programmes are presented also at several other venues in the town.
Link to Tønder Festival's official website

Aarhus Festival – Aarhus Festuge (City festival of Arts and Culture)

An annual festival in Aarhus for arts and culture, which is one of the largest and oldest festivals of culture in the Northern countries. Founded in 1965, the festival consists of concerts, performances, art installations, theatre, street food and family activities. Most activities are free of charge. The city organizes the large festival (10 days) with more than 1,000 events and 500,000 participants.
Link to Aarhus Festival's official website

Aarhus Jazz Festival (Jazz)

International celebrities and local stars are presented in the festival organized in Aarhus since 1989 by Musikhuset Aarhus and other local venues. The whole city is backing the eight days of jazz, more and more venues are added each year.
Link to Aarhus Jazz Festival's official website

Key institutions and organisations

MXD, Music Export Denmark

MXD promotes the international development of Danish professional popular music. Through funding, international projects and networking, MXD supports Danish artists and music companies in developing international markets, partnerships and professional networks.
MXD also collaborates with the other Nordic music export offices through NOMEX (Nordic Music Export).

Genre organisations

• JazzDanmark – Jazz (www.jazzdanmark.dk)
• ROSA – Danish Rock Society (www.rosa.org)
• Tempi – Folk and world (www.tempi.nu)
• Art Music Denmark – Contemporary classical (www.artmusicdenmark.org)

The genre organisations for rock, jazz, folk and world music are each responsible for awarding grants for international exchange projects within their own genres. The genre organisations organize Danish participation in WOMEX trade fair, Jazzahead Bremen and other music and cultural events abroad. All genre organisations are funded by the Danish Arts Foundation.

Performing arts are brought to life through encounters - between artists, audiences and artistic environments. International activities create opportunities for Danish performing arts to reach new audiences abroad, while bringing Danish and international artists and professionals together through guest performances, touring, residencies and professional exchange. These encounters can lead to new perspectives, networks and long-term collaborations, including international co-productions.

The Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Performing Arts Project Funding works to develop and promote Danish performing arts through interaction with the international performing arts scene. The committee supports a range of international activities in Denmark and abroad, with a focus on artistic exchange, networking and collaboration across borders.

Funding programmes

Performing arts: International activities

Who may apply?

Smaller theatres, performing arts groups, independent performing artists and operators organising or working with performing arts activities. Both Danish and foreign applicants may apply.

What can be funded?

• International guest performances touring and site specific performances, where an existing concept is adapted to the given context
• Networking and research aimed at long-term international collaborations and co-productions, including participation in workshops abroad as a speaker and the invitation of guests for performances in Denmark
• International residencies

Application deadline

The programme has two annual deadlines. 

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's application portal

Performing arts for Children, Young People, and Adults

Who may apply?

Smaller theatres, performing arts groups, independent performing artists and operators organizing or working with performing arts activities. Both Danish and foreign applicants may apply.

What can be funded?

The purpose of the program is to promote performing arts of a high artistic quality in Denmark and Danish performing arts abroad. This includes:

• performing arts activities and projects targeted at children, young people, and adults
• promoting the development of new forms of performing arts and other experimental activities within the performing arts, including cross-disciplinary projects
• ensuring geographical diversification
• facilitating the encounter between Danish performing arts and the international performing arts scene through international activities, including co-productions, international guest performances and tours, and residencies
• reproductions

Application deadline

The program has one annual deadline in June.

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's application portal

Events, festivals and fairs

Copenhagen Circus Arts Festival

A circus biennale in Copenhagen that presents international contemporary circus art.
Link to Copehagen Circus Arts Festival's official website

Copenhagen Summer Dance

Every summer the festival presents contemporary dance under the open sky at the front of the Opera House. Copenhagen Summer Dance is organised by the Danish Dance Theatre. 
Link to Danish Dance Theatre's official website

CPH Stage

Copenhagen-based theatre festival that presents performances from theatres from all of Denmark, as well as a smaller number of international performances in June every year. Organized by a central secretariat and curated by the venues of Copenhagen that host the performances (fringe). The festival also caters to an international audience (buyers and presenters) with an international track (2-4 days) planned specifically for this group and with performances in English or with sub-/surtitles.
Link to CPH STAGE's official website 

Danish Plus Festival

A biennial three-day curated showcase of dance, theatre and performance for children and youth held in Aarhus. Aimed at a professional international buying and presenting audience. All performances are non-verbal or performed in English. Next edition is May 8 to May 10 2028.
Link to Danish+'s official website

Det Fri Felts Festival / Selected Works Festival

The festival is held every second year in both Copenhagen and in Aarhus. The festival showcases various performing arts formats and genres, with focus on artists from the independent field. It features both emerging and more experienced artists. The artists work in areas such as choreography, physical theater, dramatic texts, performance art, sound art, and visual arts. Next festival is in 2027. 
Link to Det Frie Felts's official website 

Detour Dance Festival

An annual festival in Copenhagen, which presents an international programme focusing on street and club dance performances.
Link to Detour Dance Fesitval's official website

Dynamo Circus Festival

Denmark’s largest festival for contemporary circus for both adults and children, which takes place in Odense with a program of international and Danish circus performances. Next edition in 2027.
Link to Dynamo Circus Festival's official website 

Festival of Wonders – Silkeborg Puppet Theatre Festival

Biennial festival held in Silkeborg, Jutland, featuring the best of Danish and international contemporary puppetry. Next edition is 4-8 November 2026.
Link to Festival of Wonders's official website

Gender House Festival

A biannual performance and dance festival in Aarhus with a focus on queer artists and practices.
Link to Gender House Festival's official website

Horsens Children’s Theatre Festival

A curated festival displaying a large number of the Danish children’s theatre companies. The event is held annually for four days in September in the city of Horsens, Jutland.
Link to Horsens Teaterfestival's official website

ICE HOT

Nordic showcase of contemporary dance and performance from the Nordic countries. Next edition will be held in 2028.
Link to ICE HOT's official website

ILT Festival

The festival is held every second year in Aarhus. ILT Festival is Aarhus’ international performing arts festival, which presents a variety of international shows both in traditional performance spaces/theatres and in public spaces. Next festival is in 2027.
Link to ILT Festival's official website

KIN Festival

An annual festival for new sustainable perfoming arts, organised by Sydhavn Teater. 
Link to Sydhavn Teater's official website

København Danser

Festival/platform in Copenhagen, which presents large international dance performances throughout the year.
Link to København Danser's official website

Metropolis, Copenhagen International Theatre

Takes place annually all over Denmark with a focus on Copenhagen. Mostly presents outdoors work, interacting with public space and people´s everyday life. Organized by Copenhagen International Theatre.
Link to Metropolis's official website

PERFORMNORD

A new international platform for Nordic performance art initiated by the Danish Arts Foundation and produced by Copenhagen International Theate / Metropolis. To be held for the first time in Copenhagen 2-12 September 2027. The platform both has a public programme as well as a programme aimed at professionals, including curators and presenters.
Link to the official website for PERFORMNORD

Spring Festival

Danish and international performances for children and youth, based in Amager, Copenhagen. Next edition will take place in 2028.
Link to Spring Festival's official site

SWOP

A biennial international dance festival for children and young people in Roskilde, organised by Aabendans. Next festival will take place in 2028. 
Link to the official website for SWOP

The KLAP Festival

The largest children’s theatre festival in Denmark. Takes place annually in April in a different city. The festival offers a display of close to 500 shows and the festival is frequented by international guests, presenters and buyers.
KLAP - Theatre Festival

UR-NAT

International performing arts festival in Ringkøbing, connected to the Theatre OM, with a focus on nature-related performances and performances for children and younger audiences.
Forside - UR-NAT Festival

Waves Festival

The festival is held every second year in the city of Vordingborg. A curated festival, which presents international and Danish performances, including large scale work in public spaces.  The festival has a programme for professionals called Waves Xtra, which includes panels, workshops and networking. Next festival is in 2027.

Waves Festival - Egnsteatret

yes – dance biennale

A new, large-scale and ambitious dance biennale taking place for the first time in late summer 2026. Over the course of a full month, the biennale unfolds across the city, on established stages, in smaller studios, and in Copenhagen’s public spaces, with a programme of performances, talks, workshops, and events. The biennale is a collaboration between Dansehallerne, København Danser, Sydhavn Teater, and Dansk Danseteater.
yes dance biennale 2026 — 26. august til 28. September i København

Key institutions and organisations

ASSITEJ

Danish national center of ASSITEJ International, uniting theatres and members working with performing arts for children and youth.
Link to Assitej Danmark's official website

Bora Bora

A venue in Aarhus focused on dance and other choreographic work, often programming international performances. They run an international residency programme for dance professionals.
Link to Bora Bora's official website

Dansehallerne

A venue in Copenhagen focused on dance and other choreographic work, often programming international performances.
Link to Dansehallerne's official website

Dansk Samtids Cirkus

Trade association promoting and raising visibility of contemporary circus within Denmark's performing arts landscape.
Link to Dansk Samtids Cirkus's official website

DYNAMO Workspace

A venue in Odense, which focuses on contemporary circus. They run an international residency programme for contemporary circus artists and companies.
Link To DYNAMO's website

Københavns Internationale Teater / Metropolis

An organisation, which runs the platform Metropolis as well as an international residency programme aimed at professionals, who work in the field of performance art.
Link to Metropolis' official website

Teatercentrum

Denmark's national competence center for the promotion of professional performing arts for children and young audiences.
Link to Teatercentrum's official website i Danmark

Teaterhuset Filuren, Aaben Dans, Teater Hund, Syddjurs Egnsteater, and ASSITEJ Denmark

A group of theatres from across Denmark with a focus on younger audiences. They run an international residency programme aimed at professionals working with these age-groups called ROOTS & ROUTES.
Link to Filuren's website on international residency

The Development Platform for Performing Arts

Independent organiation supporting Denmark's independent performing arts field through advice, residencies, and networks.
Link to The Development Platform for Performing Arts' official website

Performing Arts Platform Aarhus

Network-building platform connecting performing arts practitioners in Aarhus and the Central Denmark Region.                          
Link to Performing Arts Platform's official website

Uafhængige Scenekunstnere

Cultural-political interest organisation advocating for independent, self-producing performing artists in Denmark.
Link to Uafhængige Scenekunstnere's offical website

Funding programmes

Production and Exhibitions

Who may apply?

The programme is open to applicants involved in the production, exhibition and/or promotion of visual art in Denmark or abroad, including:

• Danish artists exhibiting abroad
• Foreign exhibition venues exhibiting Danish artists
• Foreign artists exhibiting in Denmark

What can be funded?

The programme supports contemporary Danish and international art in Denmark and Danish contemporary art abroad. You can apply for funding for:

• Production of new artworks, where the artist has an exhibition agreement.
• Exhibition costs, including costs incurred by artists and exhibition venues.
• Artists’ honoraria for time spent producing, installing and promoting an exhibition or creating a new artwork.
• Promotion and presentation, including printed and digital materials connected to an exhibition or covered by an agreement ensuring public access.

Application deadline

Two application deadlines annually, with a response within 12 weeks.

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's application portal

Curatorial Research Programme

Who may apply?

Foreign curators, exhibition directors, art critics and art mediators working with contemporary art may apply for funding for research visits to Denmark.
Danish art institutions and other Danish art professionals may also apply on behalf of a foreign curator, provided they organise and host the visit.
The programme is primarily intended for applicants with existing contacts in the Danish art scene or a specific project involving Danish artists or institutions. Applicants must be able to arrange meetings and studio visits independently.

What can be funded?

Funding of up to DKK 15,000 per person is available for travel and accommodation related to curatorial research visits to Denmark.

Application deadline

Two application deadlines annually, with a response within 12 weeks.

Link to further information

Link to the Danish Arts Foundation's official website

Residencies abroad

Who may apply?

Professional visual artists, curators and art mediators with a substantial connection to the Danish art scene can apply for funding to participate in international residency programmes. Applicants must have been accepted to a residency with a professional artistic programme lasting 1–6 months

What can be funded?

Funding may cover travel to and from the residency, accommodation if not provided by the residency, living expenses and residency programme fees.
Funding is only available for residencies with a professional artistic programme and does not cover stays focused solely on studio space or production, or residencies that are already fully funded.

Application deadline

Two application deadlines annually, with a response within 12 weeks.

Events, festivals and fairs 

Art Matter Festival

Annual festival of contemporary art across Copenhagen and the surrounding region, bringing together exhibitions, performances, talks and other events at museums, galleries and independent art spaces.
Link to Art Matter Festival's official website

CHART Art Fair

Leading Nordic art fair, bringing together established and emerging galleries from across the region and an international community of artists, curators, collectors and art professionals.
Link to CHART Art Fair's official website

Enter Art Fair

An international contemporary art fair in Copenhagen, bringing together galleries and artists from Denmark and abroad with collectors, curators and art professionals from the international art world.
Link to Enter Art Fair's official website

Key institutions and organisations

Arken – Museum of Contemporary Art

Major Danish museum of contemporary art with a collection spanning Danish, Nordic and international art and an internationally oriented exhibition and research programme.
Link to Arken's official website

Art Hub Copenhagen

International centre for contemporary art supporting artists and curators through residencies, research, exhibitions and professional exchange in Copenhagen.
Link to Art Hub Copenhagen's official website

Copenhagen Contemporary (CC)

Copenhagen’s international contemporary art centre, presenting installation art by leading international artists and emerging talents, with a strong focus on international artistic exchange.
Link to Copenhagen Contemporary's official website

Danish Visual Artists (BKF)

International centre for contemporary art supporting artists and curators through residencies, research, exhibitions and professional exchange in Copenhagen.
Link to Danish Visuals Artists' official website

Louisiana - Museum of Modern Art

Internationally renowned museum of modern and contemporary art, known for its international exhibition programme, collection and extensive collaborations with the global art community.
Link to Louisiana's official website

SMK – National Gallery of Denmark

Denmark’s national gallery and main museum for visual art, with a major collection and a mandate to strengthen collaboration with museums in Denmark and abroad.
Link to SMK's official website

The Danish Art Workshops (SVFK)

National centre for professional artistic production, offering workshops, specialist facilities and an international residency programme for visual artists.
Link to SVFK's official website

Film can be a valuable tool for cultural exchange and dialogue, bringing Danish stories and perspectives to international audiences. Danish missions abroad may engage with film through screenings, festivals and other cultural activities, often in cooperation with local cinemas, festivals and other professional partners.

Working with Danish film

When organising film-related activities, the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces recommends involving local professional partners, such as film festivals or cinemas. Where possible, local partners should take the lead in contacting distributors and obtaining screening rights.
Any public screening requires the necessary screening rights to be obtained in advance.

Funding

Support for international film activities depends on the type of activity:

Prioritised film festivals

The Danish Film Institute (DFI) supports Danish films’ participation in selected international film festivals. Filmmakers – not Danish missions – submit applications directly to DFI.

Culturally significant film festivals

Danish missions may apply for support through the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces. Support may include subtitling, travel costs for Danish participation and promotion.

As a general rule, the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces does not support costs associated with screening Danish films.

Creative Europe MEDIA provides additional funding opportunities for the European film and audiovisual sectors. See Creative Europe under Other funding opportunities.

Further information

For detailed information on screening rights, funding and film-related activities, visit the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces’ FAQ on Danish missions’ work with film

Creative Europe

Creative Europe is the European Union’s funding programme for the cultural and creative sectors. The programme supports cross-border cooperation, exchange and the circulation of European art and culture.
Creative Europe consists of three strands: Culture, MEDIA and a Cross-sectoral strand. The Culture strand covers a wide range of cultural and creative sectors, including architecture, cultural heritage, design, literature, music, performing arts and visual arts. 

European Cooperation Projects

European Cooperation Projects support cultural organisations working together across national borders. Projects must involve partners from several Creative Europe countries and can cover a wide range of cultural and creative activities.
The scheme supports projects focusing on international cooperation and exchange or innovation and is the largest funding scheme under the Culture strand.

Culture Moves Europe

Culture Moves Europe supports the international mobility of artists and cultural professionals. Funding is available for individual mobility and residency projects across the participating Creative Europe countries.
The scheme covers architecture, cultural heritage, design and fashion design, literature, music, performing arts and visual arts.

Creative Europe Desk Denmark

Creative Europe Desk Denmark – Culture is based at the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces and provides free advice and guidance on Creative Europe funding opportunities. The Desk can advise on project ideas, applications and potential partnerships.
All countries participating in Creative Europe have national Creative Europe Desks that provide information about the programme and help connect cultural organisations across borders.

Further information

For current calls, application requirements and deadlines, see Creative Europe Desk Denmark – Culture and the European Commission’s Creative Europe website.
 

For more information on Creative Europe MEDIA, which supports the European film and audiovisual sectors, see Working with film.

Folk high schools

The Danish folk high school tradition is centred on residential learning, community, personal development and democratic education rather than formal qualifications or exams. Danish folk high schools also engage internationally through student and staff mobility, partnerships and professional exchange.

The Association of Folk High Schools in Denmark (FFD)

FFD represents Danish folk high schools and supports the development of the sector. Through FFD’s Erasmus+ mobility consortium, Danish folk high schools can participate in international learning and professional development activities in Europe.

Nordic cooperation

FFD also participates in the Nordic Folk High School Council (NFR), which brings together national folk high school organisations across the Nordic countries and provides a platform for cooperation on shared educational and societal issues.

Nordic funding opportunities

Nordic cooperation offers a range of funding opportunities for arts and culture. Funding supports collaboration, mobility, networking and artistic and cultural projects across the Nordic Region and beyond.
 

Nordic Culture Point

Nordic Culture Points administers several funding programmes on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The programmes support cultural and artistic cooperation across the Nordic Region, with several opportunities also extending to the Baltic countries.
Key opportunities include the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture, which supports mobility, professional networks and artist residencies, and the Culture and Art Programme, which supports collaborative artistic and cultural projects involving partners from several Nordic countries.

For current funding opportunities, application criteria and deadlines, visit Nordic Culture Point’s official website
 

Nordic Culture Fund

Nordic Culture Fund supports the development of arts and cultural life through collaboration across national borders. The Fund supports projects, partnerships and new initiatives with a strong Nordic dimension and may also support collaboration connecting the Nordic Region with other parts of the world.
Its funding programmes provide opportunities for different stages and forms of cultural cooperation, from developing new ideas and partnerships to larger cross-border projects.

For current programmes, application criteria and deadlines, visit Nordic Culture Fond’s official website