Support Letter for Tanzmesse

Support Letter for Tanzmesse
– An Essential Platform for Dance Art in Europe

It is with great concern that we have received information indicating that Tanzmesse is at risk of losing its financial support, jeopardizing its continued existence as a vital platform for the international dance community.

Performing Arts Hub Norway (PAHN), Performing Arts Iceland, Circus & Dance Info Finland, and The Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Performing Arts, who are behind this support letter, have actively participated in Tanzmesse for years through the Nordics
Combined network, which consists of Performing Arts Hub Norway (PAHN), Circus & Dance Info Finland, The Swedish Arts Council, Swedish Arts Grants Committee, The Danish Arts Foundation, and Performing Arts Centre Iceland.

Tanzmesse is a crucial arena for promotion, networking, and development of Nordic and international dance art.

Why is Tanzmesse so Important?

Tanzmesse represents an essential platform for dance artists from the Nordic region and beyond. It provides a unique opportunity for artists to present their work on Europe’s largest and most influential stage for dance art. This visibility creates significant opportunities
for international collaboration, as artists and companies can establish long-term partnerships, secure touring opportunities, and develop meaningful connections with presenters, curators, and fellow artists from across the world.

The event is not merely a marketplace but also a space for knowledge exchange and artistic dialogue. Through workshops, meetings, and informal networking opportunities, Tanzmesse fosters insight, competence, and a deeper understanding of the global performing arts landscape.

The meeting of art across borders is more essential than ever, and Tanzmesse plays a pivotal role in facilitating these encounters for dance and choreography — an art form that, by its very nature, transcends language, breaks down barriers, and unites people across cultures. What could be more urgent than this in our times?

Losing Tanzmesse as a platform would represent a significant loss for the entire dance art field in Europe and weaken our collective ability to create international opportunities for artists.We therefore strongly urge you to maintain and ensure the necessary financial support for Tanzmesse, enabling it to continue its vital role as a bridge-builder, innovator, and meeting place for dance artists from across the world.

With kind regards,


Hege Knarvik Sande, CEO, Performing Arts Hub Norway

Fridrik Fridriksson, CEO, Performing Arts Iceland

Tove Ekman, Director, Circus & Dance Info Finland

Gitta Malling, Head of Committee, The Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Performing Arts