What exactly is the Talent Lab?

Tom Leick-Burns. – “This is a festival that brings together artists with projects in the very early stages of development. They have ten days to work, supported by established artists acting as mentors, and present 20-minute previews to the public at the end (on 7 June 2026). At the same time, there is a programme open to the public every evening, focusing on experimental forms, both in-house and off-site. It is a way for us, as an institution, to switch to a different programme with smaller, more original and participatory formats.

What are the key themes of this edition?

“Migration, identity, gender issues; it’s been glaringly obvious for the past two or three years. Artists draw on what’s happening in society; it’s like a mirror. This year, we received 102 applications, a record number. The projects confirm this: the search for self, displacement, the climate crisis. Artists bring us these pressing issues. That’s what we ask of them too: to come up with a project that addresses a real need.

What do you like most about this event?

“Meeting artists from all over the world. It creates an energy that’s impossible to describe. I always say these are my favourite ten days of the year. For the teams too, it’s a break from the usual routine. We live at such a fast pace; and here, things slow down. I even make a point of spending as little time as possible in my office during those ten days.”

This article was written for the June 2026 issue of Paperjam magazine, published on 20 May. The content is produced exclusively for the magazine. It is published on the website to contribute to Paperjam’s comprehensive archive.

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