XZLLNZ (Production funding)
In times of great fragility in the arts and society, for independent artists/groups as well as municipal and state theaters, the necessary planning security and artistic freedom that outstanding art needs – even outside of firmly established production contexts and aesthetic formal languages – is in danger of diminishing. For this reason, the Fonds Darstellende Künste is establishing a grant program that specifically focuses on outstanding artistic production in the performing arts: Aesthetic ventures beyond the niche, for large stages and spaces and for large audiences.
With the XZLLNZ special program, the Fonds Darstellende Künste enables professional independent producing artists/groups who have developed outstanding artistic signatures and pioneering aesthetic formal languages in the nationally and internationally renowned independent performing arts in recent years to stage a major new production or production in co-production with or at a German city or state theater.
XZLLNZ is realized with the involvement of the expertise of the Deutsche Bühnenvereins.
What is funded?
Funding is provided for project-related, artistic processes that focus on the development of an artistically excellent new production in the performing arts. The premiere (and any subsequent performances at the premiere venue) at a German city or state theater with ensemble and/or repertory operations is, as a rule, part of a project in the XZLLNZ program. In addition, guest performances at other venues may also be part of the project.
Who can apply?
Long-standing (at least five years) artists/groups from the performing arts (including performance, theater, dance, music theater, puppet and object theater, theater in public space, contemporary circus and multi-genre/interdisciplinary) based and working in Germany or German city and state theaters that can demonstrate an intention to cooperate with such artists/groups.
How much can be applied for?
The application level is at least EUR 125,000 and up to a maximum of EUR 200,000.
Co-financing from public funds (federal states and/or municipalities) amounting to at least 100% of the application amount must be provided for the project applied for at the time of application. As a rule, the city and state theaters' own funds are public funds that can be contributed as necessary co-financing.
Should a theater or production venue or festival of the independent performing arts located in Germany demonstrably present bindingly at least two presentations of the production that is being applied for or co-produce it, then the maximum application amount may be increased to EUR 250,000.
Application and funding deadlines
Applications to the Fonds Darstellende Künste will be submitted exclusively online.
Application deadline(s):
- 15 July 2025
The possible project period for approved projects begins on 01.10.2025 and ends on 31.07.2027 at the latest.
A complete where-used list must be submitted no later than three months after the end of the respective appropriation period, but no later than 30.09.2027.
For all further information, please read the regulations before submitting your application or before calling the office of the Fonds Darstellende Künste for advice. The FAQs provide further assistance. There will be two digital information events on the program during the application period. We strive to make the application process accessible and barrier-free. Please contact beratung@fonds-daku.de to arrange individual advice.
Forms
All the important documents are available in the Forms section.
Jury
The decision of the expert jury is expected to be announced in mid-September 2025.