We invite artists and collectives from Hamburg’s independent performing arts scene to become part of the Freie Szene Festival – Performing Arts Hamburg 2027!
From April 12–18, 2027, the festival will bring together productions, artists, and diverse perspectives from Hamburg’s independent performing arts scene. We welcome works from all disciplines of the performing arts, as well as interdisciplinary and hybrid formats that reflect the diversity of Hamburg’s artistic landscape.
With its 13th edition, the festival is entering a new chapter, introducing a new name, a new structure, and new artistic leadership. Naomi Kelechi Odhiambo and The Schmidt will take over as co-directors for the next three editions, working alongside a broad alliance of institutions and organizations representing the independent performing arts to further develop the festival.
The Freie Szene Festival serves as both a showcase and a platform for exchange and connection, bringing together independent artists and cultural practitioners, Hamburg’s wider public, and national and international professional audiences.
A special highlight will be the Opening Gala at Kampnagel.. All selected productions will present a 5–10-minute excerpt of their work, offering a collective glimpse into the artistic diversity of Hamburg’s independent performing arts scene.
Coming Up: Work-in-Progress Open Call
We would also like to announce that an additional Open Call for our Work-in-Progress format will be launched in January 2027.
This format is designed for artists who wish to share insights into their current creative processes, experiment with new artistic ideas, or present projects in the early stages of development.
Selected artists will have 15–20 minutes to present their work, followed by an exchange with the audience.
Further details will be announced with the Open Call in January 2027.
We look forward to receiving your work, perspectives, and applications!
Teilnahmebedingungen
- Premiere between September 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026.
- Professional production within the independent performing arts
- A video recording of the work is available or planned
- Predominant involvement of independent/freelance artists
- The production is part of the funding and financing structures of the independent performing arts scene
Connection to Hamburg
At least 2 of the following 3 criteria must be met:
- The participating artists are based in Hamburg, either professionally or personally.
- The production was financed or supported through funding available to Hamburg’s independent performing arts scene.
- The production has been presented in Hamburg.
Artists and collectives may submit a maximum of two productions.
All participating artists must be available during the festival period, April 12–18, 2027.
Application
Application deadline: November 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM (CET)
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the application form on this website. Applications submitted by email cannot be considered.
If you experience technical difficulties with the application form, please contact:
leitung@fringify.hamburg
Artist Fees & Travel Expenses
- €400 artist fee per person for one performance
- Up to an additional €180 per person for necessary rehearsals, subject to prior agreement
- Travel expenses for team members who do not live in Hamburg may be covered where possible, subject to prior agreement and available resources
Opening Gala – Participation
By submitting an application, you agree to present a 5–10-minute excerpt of your production at the Opening Gala on April 14, 2027, at Kampnagel, should your production be selected by the jury.
Not all members of the production team are required to perform at the gala. However, those participating in the presentation must be available on that date.
Selection Process
An independent jury will make the final selection by mid-January 2027. Selected productions will be notified by email in early February 2027.. Selected productions will be notified by email in early February 2027.
The jury will consist of: 1 independent artist
1 representative of the DfdK (Dachverband freie darstellende Künste Hamburg)
1 representative of an independent performance venue in Hamburg
1 national or international performing arts professional
Festival leadership
Additional Information
Productions with elaborate stage designs, special technical requirements, or specific spatial needs can indicate these in the application form.
While applicants may express preferences for particular venues, we cannot guarantee specific locations. Our technical team will work to ensure that all selected productions can be presented in suitable spaces.
Venue Confirmations for DfdK Funding Applications
We can provide venue confirmations (Spielstättenbescheinigungen) for artists applying for the DfdK’s Diffusionsförderung funding programme who wish to present their funded production as part of the festival.
For this edition, we can issue a maximum of five venue confirmations.
Please note that the application deadline for the Diffusionsförderung is November 1, 2026.
If you would like to request a venue confirmation, please contact us at: leitung@fringify.hamburg
We look forward to receiving your applications and to shaping the Freie Szene Festival – Performing Arts Hamburg together with you!
