Artist residencies

Since the early 2000s, BIT has been an active partner in European collaborative networks, and as part of this has been able to offer artists and companies in contemporary performing arts access to a wide range of international and local residency opportunities. While the scope of each project varies depending on the nature of the different networks, we generally aim to help artists connect with relevant residencies whenever possible. We are excited to finally be able to offer dedicated residency facilities when we move into Sentralbadet in 2026/early 2027. In the meantime, we are grateful for our great collaborations with partners in Bergen and Vestland, including AiR Bergen at USF Verftet, Rimi/Imir Scenekunst in Stavanger, and the Teaterfestivalen i Fjaler. We look forward to offering more opportunities for both local and international artists in the time to come.

Norway-Italy Dance Residencies

©Dánil Røkke/DAVVI – Senter for Scenekunst

Mutual Exchange – New Perspectives and Networks
We are happy to be part of the Norway-Italy Dance Residencies exchange – a collaborative initiative launched in 2024 that enables mutual residency exchanges for Italian and Norwegian dance artists, encouraging artistic collaboration between the two countries.

The Open Call for 2026 residencies is now live.
Want to do yours at BIT in Bergen, Norway in our brand new performance art hub Sentralbadet Scenekunsthus? Apply by March 2, 2026

The exchange programme, which includes both Norwegian and Italian partners, facilitates a mutual exchange that strengthens the ties between the performing arts communities of the two countries. It provides artists with access to new creative impulses and professional networks. The project opens new doors for artistic partnership and establishes a solid foundation for further international collaboration within the field of dance.

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

Application deadline: March 2, 2026
Online application form here
Residency host: Bergen Internasjonale Teater (BIT)
Contact person: Bettina Kogler: bettina@bitteater.no | +47 47 48 3360
Period: mid-October till mid-December 2026
Duration: 1–2 weeks
Number of people: 2–3 people
Artist’s age: no specification
Accommodation: BIT does not have residence apartments at its disposal.
Hotel or apartment needs to be booked externally. BIT will arrange and cover accommodation costs.
Meal arrangements: Per diems (no meals)

How you apply

The application must be written in English

Read the description of the residency carefully before you write and submit your application.

Describe in detail how you wish to work during the residency, and your intentions for the residency.

Attach CV and other relevant information, plus visual material

What BIT is interested in
BIT is interested in a deep long-term exchange in which we can learn from each other about local circumstances in artistic, political and social terms.

BIT’s research area, focus and mission
BIT co-produces and presents Norwegian and international performing arts, and places particular emphasis on projects that stimulate international collaboration and work across artistic genres. BIT takes responsibility for highlighting the latest in dance, theatre and performance, including the facilitation of a relevant discourse program.
Creative Residency: Yes
Creative/Artistic Residency with public presentation: To be discussed and planned together with the artists
Artistic residency with show: No (a presentation would be enough, if wished)
New choreographic project: No
Follow/undertake training courses during residency: No
Meetings with local communities: Needs to be decided together with the artists
Offer workshops and labs on site: Needs to be decided together with the artists
Description of the spaces/rehearsal studio available for the residency at BIT

In Sentralbadet Scenekunsthus BIT has a has a stage, a studio and a lab (smaller than the studio, 50 square meter) where the residency can take place.

Stage: 16 x 20m (without auditorium)
Studio: 9,4 x 19m (without auditorium)

BIT can support the residence technically – but the degree of support must be agreed beforehand.