Domino Effect

It was in 2009 when the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) awarded dance special funding. Outstanding freelance choreographers and ensembles were to be supported over three years—to provide more planning security, to build a structure, and to further professionalize. A great idea to strengthen the scene. This so-called top-level funding was shortly expanded to include theater and performance, as well as children's and youth theater. The approach was said to be a model nationwide. But now this funding structure is crumbling dramatically. The independent scene in NRW is in turmoil. A 50 percent reduction in funding is threatened.

The areas of theater and children's and youth theater are acutely affected. The current funding cycle ended in June. A renewed call for proposals had long been ...