"The disastrous situation of independent performing artists needs to be improved and requires urgent political action regarding the current funding situation. In constructive dialogue with the Hamburg Department of Culture and Media (BKM) and the cultural policy spokespeople of the parliamentary groups, we aim to increase the funding for Product 6 'Theatre and Dance Scene' within Product Group 251.01 (Theatre, Museums, and Libraries) of Plan 3.3 (BKM Hamburg) for the next two-year budget (25/26), and propose structural changes to the funding system.
We use various campaigns to direct the attention of politicians and the public to the situation of the independent performing arts community. Recently, the DfdK e.V. commissioned the sociologist Dr. habil. Alexandra Manske to prepare a report on the current situation of the independent performing arts in Hamburg. This important survey was financed by the Hamburg Ministry of Culture and Media. In the thirty-page document, Alexandra Manske advocates ‘taking an even clearer path towards career and process-oriented funding models’ and emphasizes the importance of continuity in funding, especially for ‘mid-career and experienced artists.’ As the DfdK board, we read the report with interest and derived six cultural policy demands for the next two-year budget (25/26).
We also aim to ensure that the independent theatre scene in Hamburg is recognised as an important cultural player. To make this possible, we need better infrastructure: affordable, well-equipped rehearsal spaces and a medium-sized stage to meet the demand for suitable production venues.
In addition to our Hamburg-focused cultural policy agenda, we actively maintain external contacts to promote networking. With two representatives from the board, we are active members of the national association (BfdK), on the one hand, and on the other we seek direct contact with other Hamburg cultural institutions and organisations in order to strengthen the perception of our association and learn from each other.”
"The disastrous situation of independent performing artists needs to be improved and requires urgent political action regarding the current funding situation. In constructive dialogue with the Hamburg Department of Culture and Media (BKM) and the cultural policy spokespeople of the parliamentary groups, we aim to increase the funding for Product 6 'Theatre and Dance Scene' within Product Group 251.01 (Theatre, Museums, and Libraries) of Plan 3.3 (BKM Hamburg) for the next two-year budget (25/26), and propose structural changes to the funding system.
We use various campaigns to direct the attention of politicians and the public to the situation of the independent performing arts community. Recently, the DfdK e.V. commissioned the sociologist Dr. habil. Alexandra Manske to prepare a report on the current situation of the independent performing arts in Hamburg. This important survey was financed by the Hamburg Ministry of Culture and Media. In the thirty-page document, Alexandra Manske advocates ‘taking an even clearer path towards career and process-oriented funding models’ and emphasizes the importance of continuity in funding, especially for ‘mid-career and experienced artists.’ As the DfdK board, we read the report with interest and derived six cultural policy demands for the next two-year budget (25/26).
We also aim to ensure that the independent theatre scene in Hamburg is recognised as an important cultural player. To make this possible, we need better infrastructure: affordable, well-equipped rehearsal spaces and a medium-sized stage to meet the demand for suitable production venues.
In addition to our Hamburg-focused cultural policy agenda, we actively maintain external contacts to promote networking. With two representatives from the board, we are active members of the national association (BfdK), on the one hand, and on the other we seek direct contact with other Hamburg cultural institutions and organisations in order to strengthen the perception of our association and learn from each other.”