International activities
Open to the world and active both in France and internationally, the CN D goes beyond its own walls to offer mobile programmes. The CN D is part of European and international networks in order to promote exchanges and visibility through hosting international artists and developing educational projects. Some of the events created by the CN D are staged around the world, whilst others are developed with the guidance of the CN D’s teams.
In Europe
Europe and European networks
CN D is an active member of the European Dance Development Network – EDN and works with other members on current issues championed by the network and relating to European challenges.
CN D is also a member of the International network for contemporary performing Arts – IETM.
CN D took part in the "BEYOND 2025: Being Many" event organised by the Culture Action Europe network in Turin (June).
CN D is a member of the Erasmus+ Culture français developers’ network, led by the Erasmus+ France / Education and Training Agency and supported by the Ministry of Culture. It brings together professionals from the cultural sector to provide information and support to other stakeholders within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme.
In 2025, CN D also strengthened its ties with Relais Culture Europe, the Creative Europe office in France. CN D joined forces with Relais Culture Europe and Artcena – the National Centre for Circus, Street and Theatre Arts – to organise a webinar for performing arts professionals on the ‘Culture Moves Europe’ call for proposals – individual mobility strand.
AGORA Project
CN D has been selected for a short-term mobility programme, co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, Adult Education strand.
The project began on 1 October 2025 and will end on March 31, 2027.
Twenty CN D staff members will take part in mobility schemes to receive training on topics related to supporting people in vulnerable situations (disability or migration). Three leading European experts will be hosted at the CN D in Pantin and Lyon to train staff on these same topics.
Europe Unit
A Europe Unit was set up at the CN D in 2025 with the aim of providing a space for discussion and exploration open to all, fostering cross-functional engagement within the organisation on European issues. The Europe Unit comprises 10 staff members from various departments within the CN D.
Regular working sessions, internal newsletters and cultural awareness events are organised throughout the year. Training courses and seminars are also organised (Relais Culture Europe, the Ministry of Culture’s Sub-Directorate for European Affairs, and the Erasmus+ Agency).
International
International partnerships
French Embassy in China
In 2024, the CN D signed a framework agreement with the French Embassy in China for a period of three years. This partnership enables the CN D to host a Chinese artist in residence for a period of two months, to promote the CN D’s archives in China, to promote French artists in China and to strengthen collaborative ties between China and France in the field of contemporary dance.
The Chinese artist Alexis Kam was hosted in residence between Pantin and Lyon for a period of two months. She benefited from two studio openings as part of the contemporary dance support programme developed by the French Embassy in China, entitled ‘Plateau / 舞所不在’.
French Institute in Japan
As part of a partnership with the French Institute in Japan, the CN D hosts each year the winner of the French Embassy in Japan Prize for Young Choreographers, awarded as part of the Yokohama Dance Collection competition.
In 2025, the CN D hosted the winner of the 2024 edition, Yoko Omori, for three months as part of a residency at the CN D in Pantin and Lyon, as well as with partner organisations: Boom’Structur – CDCN in Clermont-Ferrand and Les SUBS in Lyon.
Villa Swagatam / French Institute in India
The CN D is a partner of Villa Swagatam, a network of residencies designed to promote cultural exchanges between France, India and South Asia, run by the French Institute in India for three years (2024–2026). In 2025, the CN D hosted the Indian choreographer Gayatri Shetty for a two-month residency (October/November). She was provided with a rehearsal studio, access to the CN D’s resources and an open studio session for professionals.
French Institute in Russia
As part of a partnership with the French Institute in Russia, in 2025 the CN D hosted Ksenia Mikheeva for a one-week residency in September 2025 in Lyon, culminating in a residency showcase at the end of her working period.
Cité internationale des arts x CN D
Launched in 2022, this programme is aimed at choreographers working and living outside mainland France and aims to promote the mobility of professionals, expand their networks and raise awareness of their work in France. Selected artists are offered a three-month residency, comprising accommodation at the Cité internationale des arts, access to workspaces at the CN D and dedicated support. The CN D also covers accommodation costs, a living allowance and travel expenses.
Institut français de Serbie, Teatroskop
As part of a partnership with the French Institute in Serbia and Teatroskop, the CN D hosted Jelena Alempijevi´c in residence (October 2025).
Partnership with Chaillot, National Theatre of Dance, as part of the Fabrique Chaillot
Artists Naya Binghi, Samaa Wakim and Anton Ovchinnikov were hosted in residence at the CN D.
Institut français Paris
The CN D and the Institut français Paris have signed a three-year framework agreement (2025–2027).
The aim of this partnership is to pool resources in order to promote the CN D’s programmes and resources within the French cultural network abroad, and to support the CN D in its international development.
International Residencies
A number of international partnerships are in place to host international artists for periods of between two and three months as part of creative or research residencies. They are offered personalised support throughout their time in residence at the CN D.