SoloDuo Festival nrw + friends

In the organizer's words:

18th International SoloDuoFestival nrw + friends in Cologne - dance from around the world at Barnes Crossing

From May 29 to 31, 2026, the International SoloDuoFestival nrw + friends will take place for the 18th time. The festival is organized by Barnes Crossing - Freiraum für TanzPerformanceKunst, which has been providing an important platform for contemporary dance and performance for two decades.

This year's festival once again underlines its international significance: over 150 applications were received from 18 countries, including France, the Netherlands, Brazil, Taiwan, Poland, Italy, Finland, Israel, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Greece, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, the USA, Portugal, England, Sweden and Germany. Festival director Ilona Pászthy together with dance artist Diana Treder have selected a total of 17 productions from the applications for the festival program.

The jury for the award ceremony is still being finalized. The Dutch artist Vivianne Rodrigues del Britto and the Brazilian choreographer Bébéde Soares have already been confirmed.

In addition to the competition entries, the festival offers a diverse accompanying program that focuses on artistic exchange. Discussion rounds between participants and the jury will provide space for reflection and networking. The program is complemented by two workshops: On Saturday, Yvonne Hardt will lead a discourse round on current dance policy issues, on Sunday Nina Patrizia Hänel will give a practical workshop in the field of dance.

Awards and prizes

The SoloDuoFestival nrw + friends will award the following prizes in 2026:

• awarded Solo: €400 and a residency scholarship in the Quartier am Hafen
• awarded Duo: € 800 and a residency scholarship in the Quartier am Hafen
• awarded Newcomer Solo: 400 €
• awarded Newcomer Duo: 800 €
• awarded dancer: 400 €

In addition, a further residency place will be awarded to a production selected by the jury. All prizes are sponsored by the KunstSalon Stiftung Köln in cooperation with the Quartier am Hafen.

Accessibility as a lived aspiration

Thanks to renewed funding from the City of Cologne, comprehensive accessibility formats can also be offered in 2026. These include audio descriptions (by appointment at +49 157 56403320 or soloduo@barnescrossing.de), a pick-up service from the nearest train station and special offers for deaf people. The venue is completely barrier-free - the festival sees itself as an inclusive cultural event for everyone.

An audio flyer will be available soon on the website www.barnescrossing.de

Audio description is provided via headphones. We also offer an escort service to and from the Michaelshoven train station. The escort service can be booked in the morning on the day of the event. An accompanying person can be brought along, and assistance dogs are also welcome. If they are used to theater performances, they are also allowed in the theater room, if not, an assistant will take care of the dog in the foyer.

Please register for audio description, assistance service and dog care one day before the event at 015756403320