The International Coproduction Fund (IKF) is designed to support dialogue-oriented, collaborative international cultural projects in the performing arts—specifically music, dance, theatre, and performance—that bring together artists or groups from outside Germany with partners in Germany. Eligible applicants include individual artists or legal entities (such as institutions or ensembles) whose main place of work and residence is outside Germany (excluding Austria and Switzerland), and they must demonstrate genuine collaborative engagement with German partners. This programme particularly encourages applications from developing and transition countries and funds interdisciplinary or hybrid formats involving digital media alongside live performative work. 
The fund covers all project-related costs (artist fees, travel, production expenses, etc.) within a funding range of €15,000 to €30,000 and provides partial support of up to 75 % of total costs. Projects must present at least one professional performance outside Germany (and ideally also in Germany) and cannot consist solely of tours, guest performances, commissioned works, or residency-style activities. Applications are submitted online in English through the Goethe funding portal, and require a solid budget plan, evidence of collaborative partnership, and all relevant supporting documents. The selection process involves a review by Goethe-Institut cultural staff followed by an independent jury decision, usually taking about three months. 
For the upcoming cycle in 2026, there are two fixed application periods: 15 January–1 April 2026 (for projects starting July 2026 and ending by October 2027) and 15 July–1 October 2026 (for projects starting in early 2027 and ending by April 2028). Projects must not have already commenced (e.g., contracts signed or travel booked) before formal funding approval, though applicants may request an informal early start email—note this is not a promise of funding. The Goethe-Institut also emphasises inclusive access and sustainability, offering support for accessibility-related project costs and advice on environmentally mindful planning.