“ … wonder is what gives life colour and makes it worthwhile. Wonder is what drives us, what makes us develop our talents, push our boundaries, rise above ourselves and, ultimately, find happiness in what we do. When there is no more wonder, everything becomes grey, and disappointment, resignation and despair lurk.” (Caroline Pauwels, from Ode to Wonder) 

Caroline Pauwels was the curator of TAZ#2021. She wrote the short book ‘Ode to Wonder’ as part of a character series. The woman who taught us what wonder is through her infectious energy passed away on 5 August 2022. With a yearly project, we want to keep Caroline’s memory, but especially her way of thinking, alive.

In practice, we are launching a development bursary for a project by artist(s) and scientist(s) who connect science and the performing arts (theatre, dance, opera, music, circus, …). The goal is to create a project that can be presented to a broad audience in an accessible manner. The bursary will be awarded on 8 August, the closing night of TAZ#2026. 

in a nutshell

• Develop your proposal in collaboration with a scientist. If you don’t know a suitable scientist, get in touch with Goedele Nuyttens at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel by 1 April 2026 - goedele.nuyttens@vub.be
• Submit your application online before 1 June 2026
• The jury will select the candidates who get to pitch their proposal on 8 August at TAZ#2026
• The selected project will be presented at TAZ#2027

WHICH PROJECTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE BURSARY?

• The project must be a collaboration between a performing artist and a scientist, and demonstrably bridge the performing arts and science. Eligible disciplines include theatre, dance, performance, musical theatre, music, opera and circus.
• The project must be financially and strategically viable within the provided development budget.
• The objective must be development, research and mutual exchange, with a first public presentation as the end goal. The selected team is free to choose the presentation form, for example a performance or a lecture-performance.
• The project must be presentable in a simple setting (e.g. living rooms, meeting rooms, outside, on a stage).
• The project must be sustainable across the board (technically, logistically, in regard to transport, …).

THE DEVELOPMENT BURSARY INCLUDES:

• A financial contribution of € 20.000. This budget is provided by deAuteurs and VUB and will be paid directly to the creator(s).
• Residency facilities at De Grote Post and KVS in the 2026-27 season.
• Dramaturgical support by KVS.
• Practical, logistical, technical and administrative support by TAZ.
• Copyright and legal support by deAuteurs.

HOW TO APPLY AND WHO EVALUATES THE APPLICATION:

1. Create a written pitch answering the questions below (max. 2 pages in Calibri 12) and submit it in pdf format by email to cpbeurs@theateraanzee.be, by 1 June 2026.
   1. Describe the contents of your project: what is your idea, what do you want to investigate?
   2. Describe why this project fits the objectives described (bridging performing arts and science)
   3. Describe the practical components of the project (who does what, what do you need, …)
   4. Describe what your collaboration with a scientist will look like. If you don’t know a suitable scientist, get in touch with Goedele Nuyttens at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel by 1 April 2026 - goedele.nuyttens@vub.be
   5. Create a brief project plan (when will each phase take place).
   6. Create a brief budget in accordance with fair practice principles as described at www.juistisjuist.be.
   7. Include your cv or portfolio in attachment (optional).
2. Selected candidates will be invited to pitch their project live at TAZ#2026 on 8 August at De Grote Post.

Application deadline: Monday 1 June 2026.

• The application will be assessed by a jury consisting of an equal number of representatives from the performing arts and the sciences.
• The selected projects will be notified at the latest by Wednesday 1 July and invited to pitch at TAZ#2026. The winner of the bursary will be announced on the day of the pitches, the official closing night of TAZ.

Matchmaking with scientists by VUB
If you don’t know any suitable scientists to consult for your project, you can contact Goedele Nuyttens at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel - goedele.nuyttens@vub.be