Juries in the independent performing arts: decision-making power and perspectives

In collaboration with DfdK Hamburg and LAFT Berlin

Date

05/06/2026

Time:

11:00

Category:

Discussion
📸 Juha Hansen
The allocation of funding in the independent performing arts is a widely debated topic: Who sits on juries, and who determines their composition? There is still considerable criticism that the processes lack transparency, that marginalized voices are underrepresented, and that existing power structures remain influential. But what changes have funding institutions initiated in recent years? How are demands for more participatory selection processes and regular renewal of juries being addressed? And what challenges exist in reporting on these processes transparently?

In this event, representatives from public institutions, artists, and (former) jury members will discuss jury procedures in the independent performing arts in Hamburg and Berlin. The aim is to create a respectful space for exchange, to reflect on fairness and transparency in the composition and working methods of juries, and to weave together present realities and future visions.

Come join us, bring your questions and personal experiences—we’ll create space for discussion and ideas about a process that significantly shapes the work and future of the independent arts scene.

Registration via anmeldung@dfdk.de (but you’re also welcome to drop by spontaneously)
Who gets funding
for independent theatre
and dance?
And who decides?

A jury decides
who receives funding.

Many people criticize:
The procedures are often
not clear enough.
It is difficult to understand
how decisions are made.

Many people want:
More fairness.
More transparency.
And more participation
in decision-making.

In recent years,
some things have changed.
Funding institutions are trying
to improve these processes.

At this event,
artists, representatives
from public authorities,
and former jury members
will talk about Hamburg and Berlin.

Together we ask:
How can the process
become fairer?
And how can more people
take part in decisions?

Bring your questions
and experiences.
There will be time
for discussion and exchange.
This is important
for the independent arts scene.
Participants: Leyla Ercan (former jury member, Projektförderung Hamburg), Elena Liebenstein (Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion), Steffen Klewar (Head of Programme, Fonds Darstellende Künste), Ulrike Steffel (Hamburg Ministry of Culture and Media)
Moderation: Dan-Thy Nguyen

Language:

German, English

Duration:

120 min

Accessibility:

accessible restroom with wide door (94 cm), accessibility person on site
Rentzelstraße 36-40, 20146 Hamburg
In collaboration with DfdK Hamburg and LAFT Berlin