Presentation
Based in Brussels, Ad Lib is an artist support office working in the performing arts sector. Its core mission is to support the development, production and distribution of projects and performances created by artists whose work embraces a strong approach to poeticising reality and exploring new forms of movement, visual and stage languages that are accessible to a broad audience.
Ad Lib provides long-term artist support, focusing on the development of all of an artist’s projects and closely connecting creative, production, distribution and outreach dynamics. The office also offers tailored support in communication and project, company and/or touring administration.
A specific programme is also set up for 1 to 2 emerging artists per season, enabling them to benefit from delegated production support for their projects.
Ad Lib provides long-term support to 7 artists in the development of all their projects: Caroline Cornelis, Caroline Taillet, Elsa Chêne, Éric Arnal Burtschy, Jasmina Douieb, Othmane Moumen and Yasmine Yahiatène.
Ad Lib co-coordinates and co-organizes various residency programs with LIBITUM asbl
As a founding member of the ProDiff Collective and the European network PAMPA, Ad Lib actively participates in the development of this federation and professional network and their missions.
Ad Lib also offers training and one-off support, organises artist drop-in sessions as well as professional exchange sessions aimed at sharing knowledge and experience and creating new networks among and for professionals in the performing arts sector.
Through these activities, Ad Lib remains constantly committed to pursuing the following objectives:
- guarantee artistic freedom and quality
- support cultural diversity and the development of distinctive artistic proposals
- support the emergence of new projects and practices
- support artistic research processes
- foster exchange between artists from different disciplines
- foster encounters between artistic works and audiences
Professional support
Artist Support
Ad Lib offers comprehensive and long-term support to follow artists’ journeys, to encourage dialogue between production and distribution, and to explore each project’s various possibilities. Projects can also extend beyond the stage and be built to engage audiences through other media, forms, and spaces.
Ad Lib’s work integrates the entire process of creation, production, and distribution into a global strategy that enhances the artist’s visibility, preparing and facilitating their presence on Belgian and international stages. This work is developed in close collaboration with the artists or project leaders.
Depending on the artist’s needs and the project, different types of support may be considered, including production support, distribution support, administrative support, and the development of mediation for creations.
Production Support
Ad Lib supports artists in the production and development of their projects. This support involves guiding and assisting the artist in the artistic and financial development of their project, from conceptualization to creation.
Production support includes:
- Production planning and budget creation.
- Development of strategic approaches.
- Assistance in writing and reviewing proposals.
- Preparation for distribution and network definition.
- Reflection around communication elements.
- Assistance in finding residencies.
- Assistance in seeking partnerships, co-productions, funding, and pre-purchases.
Distribution Support
Ad Lib manages the distribution and pre-distribution of live performances. Ad Lib facilitates networking for projects, conducts prospecting work, promotes performances, and organizes tours in Belgium and internationally, in collaboration with artists and programming venues.
Distribution support includes:
- Promotion of performances in Belgian and international territories.
- Strategic support for projects and prospecting work in specific networks.
- Development, consolidation, and follow-up of contacts with programmers.
- Support at festivals/showcase events and professional hosting.
- Contract drafting and negotiation with the organizers.
- Logistics for tours.
Administrative Support
Depending on the needs of the companies and artists Ad Lib collaborates with, administrative support may be offered, including tour administration, project administration during the creation period, or company administration.
This support may involve:
- Tour administration (salary management, expenses, and tour-related accounting).
- Project administration during the creation period.
- Company administration.
Mediation Support
To promote interaction with the artworks, improve access to performances, and explore the subjects further, both for young and general audiences, Ad Lib collaborates with each artist to develop possible mediation approaches for each project, as well as relevant and useful mediation forms and objects. Ad Lib then promotes and organizes these mediation actions during tours.
Guidance and trainings
With ten years of experience, Ad Lib offers its expertise and knowledge to artists and project managers in the Wallonie-Bruxelles Federation by creating training modules in production, distribution, and the development of artistic projects. These modules contribute to various training programs and are also provided on occasion by certain professional associations in the performing arts sector for their members.
Aires Libres: Dissemination Strategies and Project Presentation
Two days for artists and companies wishing to develop a dissemination strategy, access adapted tools, and receive guidance on how to present their projects.
From the initial idea to touring, the training explores the main stages of production and partnership development.
Evolutions in Artistic Communication and Management in 2025
On the occasion of the launch of the 5th season of the IHECS Academy training in artistic communication and (self-)management of artists, this event provides an overview of the professions often working behind the scenes of artistic projects. An inspiring panel discussion with several speakers will share personal stories and future perspectives. The event is also an opportunity to meet the teaching team, industry professionals, and alumni of the program.
Papote Popote: Dissemination and Partnerships
A one-day session addressing key questions for emerging artists: how to produce a project, find partners, or approach programmers?
Papote Popote also offers a friendly moment to exchange experiences and share professional insights among peers.
☞ For further information or queries about guidance and training : contact@adlibdiffusion.be
Partners
