Art needs reliability – the time to act is now

Berlin, August 2025 – The independent performing arts in Germany are a vibrant, creative force in our society. Their forms of expression are diverse, experimental and deeply human. Whether it is theater, dance, performance or contemporary circus, they generate momentum that contributes to social change – close to the people, with them and for them.
No other field of artistic creation has so many independent, self-organized production structures, interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative working methods. The independent performing arts hold up a mirror to our era, respond to its ruptures and open up new perspectives on what is possible. Anyone who believes in the power of independent creativity must work to bolster this scene.

Looking back: Stability during the crisis – and beyond?

The pandemic showed just how crucial reliable funding is for the independent scene. The Neustart Kultur program, initiated by Minister of State for Culture Monika Grütters, ensured the survival of many players. The Fonds Darstellende Künste was a key partner: fast, efficient and impact-oriented. The scene emerged from the crisis stronger than ever – made possible by targeted public investment.
But since then, there has been a lack of continuity. Most recently, there have been massive fluctuations in funding – with direct consequences for planning, stability and future prospects. For many, this has created uncertainty instead of renewal. For the Fonds Darstellende Künste, this uncertainty has meant that a central pillar of our funding – concept funding – had to be suspended.

What is needed now

It's time to offer the independent scene reliable prospects. The draft budget for 2025 and 2026 provides for funding of 7.6 million euros. This may well provide stability, but at the same insufficient level as in 2024. The drastic reduction in funding from 2024 to 2025 has not yet been compensated for in any way. As a result, there’s still a lack of the necessary funds to be able to work reliably in the long term. Stabilizing the funding for the Fonds Darstellende Künste is a prerequisite for the adequate support of innovative independent artists and production houses in Germany.
It is a matter of quality, effectiveness and safeguarding a funding model that already works across the country. Stabilizing funding is a necessary prerequisite for artistic freedom. Now it’s a matter of expanding on that.

Why the Fonds is crucial

For over 40 years, the Fonds Darstellende Künste has been working to strengthen the independent theater, performance and dance scene in Germany – and today, more than ever, it’s of systemic importance for a vibrant democracy. With its nationwide reach, professional structures and close ties to the scene, it’s a crucial component of the cultural infrastructure.

The Fonds Darstellende Künste: Enabler, partner, catalyst

The Fonds Darstellende Künste is much more than just a funding body – it’s an enabler and partner of the independent scene. With its programs, it provides artistic and cultural political momentum, strengthens the diversity and innovative power of the independent dance and theater landscape across the country, and creates platforms for exchange and discourse.
As an approachable, accessible institution, the Fonds supports players with professional advice, thus reinforcing its partnership-based understanding of its role. At the same time, it stands for efficient and digitally-supported funding practices that are continuously being developed – in terms of content, administration and structure.
The Fonds’ funding programs cover all the phases of artistic work: from residencies and co-productions to revivals. They encompass the entire spectrum of the performing arts – from children's theater and digital performances to musical theater in rural areas. Every euro of funding not only goes toward supporting individual projects, but entire working contexts – in urban and rural areas, at the federal and municipal levels.

Conclusion

If we want to stabilize and strengthen the independent performing arts, we must secure reliable funding for them. The Fonds Darstellende Künste is ready to continue its impactful support for the dance and theater landscape – what is now lacking is the political will to increase the corresponding budgetary resources in the 2026 federal budget.