The funding of art and culture plays a crucial role in the development of a dynamic urban society. Independent performing arts are playing an increasingly significant role due to their diverse themes and range. Despite increasing professionalization and an evolving national and international presence, freelance artists are currently facing major challenges. A growing scene is confronted with a budget that has remained the same since 2019, which, due to inflation and raising minimum fee thresholds, effectively receives cuts. The result, alongside the precarious working conditions of artists, is the threat to the survival of Hamburg’s independent scene. How can the framework conditions be shaped culturally so that Hamburg can be a production and living location for independent artists of all disciplines?