Theory
The TQW theory programme increases the visibility of dance-theoretical work conducted in Vienna and its surroundings, including outside of Austria; provides access, for Vienna-based audiences and professionals, to emerging trends in international dance and performance studies; promotes contact and exchange between theory/theorists and practice/practitioners, notably at the level of university education; facilitates the development of a local, interdisciplinary community around dance and performance theory; fosters the work of emergent and independent scholars; and considers the dance institution as a space for non-academic research, while strengthening its links with university-based scholars.
The programme unfolds in diverse evolving formats: monthly public lectures provide insights into current theoretical developments; Doing Things With Theory brings together groups of university students from different backgrounds in intensive workshops facilitated by artist-researchers; TQW Research Affiliation proposes a middle-term theory residency to early career and/or independent researchers, and bi-annual Winter Schools gather a community of researchers around a common topic of interest.
Research Affiliation
TQW Research Affiliation is a four-month association of a researcher or collective in dance, performance, or related fields with TQW around a specific research project. It provides financial means for the affiliate to work on their project and produce events (e. g. curated guest lectures, workshops, discussions, reading groups) as part of the TQW theory programme. The affiliation is directed towards early-career and/or independent researchers to support those working on dance and performance theory in often precarious conditions and foster Vienna’s theoretical landscape in the longer term. At the same time, it functions as an intermediary for bidirectional transfers of knowledge and research practices between theory and the local art scene. The affiliation is open to both theorists and artist-researchers with a strong theoretical background.
Labs
The lab programme regularly held at the TQW Studios is dedicated to exploration and exchange between local and international artists and experts. Unhampered by the usual pressure to produce and present, the participants can explore general topical, specific, or unusual aspects of contemporary choreography and performance. To enable a closer examination, some of the subjects addressed relate to the performance programme at Tanzquartier Wien. However, the labs also provide those interested with a platform to inquire into urgent issues of our time, irrespective of TQW’s programme. Experts or artists curate and run the labs.