Services for the Scene

Since March 2020, the Performance and Revival Funding Stuttgart has been administered by the Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG in accordance with the guidelines of the City of Stuttgart.

Notes
  • In 2026, FTTS will fund performances and revivals of productions that do not receive municipal project funding from the Department of Dance and Theater.
    More information here.
German Association of Independent Performing Arts (BFDK)
kuenstlersozialkasse.de
Update
Since 2026, we accept application submissions and submissions of the proof of use exclusively digitally via email at
info@ftts-stuttgart.de

Furthermore, there is a change regarding the documents to be submitted for the proof of use: In addition to the Proof of Use form incl. factual report, the performance statistics and proof that funded performances took place – through press reports or promotional material – are still required.

The previous submission with invoices/receipts & bank transfer vouchers is no longer required. Instead, a list of receipts is to be submitted, which you can download here as a template (Excel table):

↓ Download list of receipts (Excel file)
Downloads

Here you will find the forms (as PDF) for applying for performance and revival funding according to the guidelines:

↓ Guidelines for performance funding
↓ Application for performance funding
↓ Application for performance funding in public spaces: at alternative venues
↓ Application for revival funding
↓ Application for revival funding in public spaces: at alternative venues

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and fill them out.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

In the event of support through performance or revival funding, please ensure clear identification of the funders (City of Stuttgart & Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG) in all publications (print and digital).

↓ Logo dataset
To include and promote your performances in the website’s event calendar, please use the following link to send us the completed document with the requested information.
↓ Form for event announcement

All items must be applied for in gross including VAT.   

No, double funding of the same person for 2 different positions for the same period is not possible. 

Yes, you can apply for a double performance at 1.5 times the maximum daily rate (based on NV-Bühne).

No, requested administration costs may only be material costs, such as account management fees for the project account or office supplies. 

Regardless of whether the performers have KSK membership or not, a contribution report for these fees must be made as the organizer. 

No, since the evening stage management does not provide an artistic service but an organizational one, this item is not added to the KSK contribution.

Yes, you can hire 2 technicians for the performance(s) and then divide the maximum fee amount per day by 2.  

No, transport costs are costs incurred by the transport of, for example, technical equipment or stage sets, costumes, etc.

No; since 2026, this is not possible.

If you have suggestions for further FAQs regarding the application for performance and revival funding, please feel free to email us at

info@ftts-stuttgart.de

The Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene gUG has technical equipment that can be borrowed subject to availability. The rental of technical equipment is a high cost factor in the production budget of independent groups and artists. By coordinating technical equipment for shared use, significant costs can be saved for actors in the independent performing arts scene – especially external rental costs, which at the same time has a subsidy-reducing effect in municipal application procedures. External, non-profit associations and institutions also have the opportunity to rent technical equipment from the Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG at discounted prices.

The borrowed equipment may only be issued to and supervised by personnel experienced or trained in event technology.

↓ Technical Inventory
↓ Price Catalog Technical Rental
Fill out the loan form, observe the loan conditions, and send it to Gunter Votteler (Technical Director FTTS) at least 14 days before your desired loan period.
technik@ftts-stuttgart.de
↓ Loan Form
The Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene gUG will issue a corresponding invoice to the person/group/institution named in the loan form after the borrowed equipment has been returned and checked.

Inquiries from professional actors in the independent dance and theater scene of Stuttgart are to be preferred over external inquiries.
The classification of individual inquiries within the framework of the tiered pricing system is the responsibility of the Technical Management and Management of the Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG.

As a special service, we personally introduce the actors and groups of the entire Independent Dance and Theater Scene of Stuttgart to the public on our site free of charge. To do this, you can send the attached form completed to the email address:

presse@stuttgart.de
↓ Form for introducing artists and/or groups

In addition, we create a Shows section on our site, easily accessible to everyone according to your specifications on the attached form. Send it to us completed at least two weeks before the start of the event to be advertised at:

presse@stuttgart.de
↓ Form for event announcement

Please keep in mind that due to funding cuts by the City of Stuttgart, we are not in a position to conduct our own research or process late entries. We can only record the information that you send to us in good time on the above forms.

Thank you very much. We look forward to it!

The City of Stuttgart temporarily provides independent groups with three rehearsal rooms for the implementation of projects. Priority is given to projects supported by the Cultural Office within the framework of project funding for Theater & Dance.
Julius Scheuermann (Cultural Office, Dept. of Cultural Promotion) is available for inquiries and information at the following email address :
probebuehnen@stuttgart.de
The booking of individual days or regularly recurring dates is not possible.
Feel free to schedule a consultation appointment with us if you would like to find out more about working in the independent scene, funding, cultural policy, or production management.
info@ftts-stuttgart.de
The Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG offers artistic consultation by appointment for project proposals from the independent dance and theater scene of Stuttgart. Appointments can be made by email:
bernhard.stumpfhaus@ftts-stuttgart.de
Consultation is possible twice per production for a maximum duration of two hours each by arrangement. In principle, the consultation includes a preliminary talk during the conceptual development of the production, before applying for funding, or at the start of production or rehearsals. If required, consultation during the artistic process (e.g., in final rehearsals) is also conceivable.

At this point, we would like to give you an overview of external advisory centers — for example on topics such as the Artists’ Social Security Fund (KSK), GEMA, discrimination-free and fair cultural work, advanced training programs, or other relevant topics.

You can discuss questions regarding insurance and contribution obligations directly with the Artists’ Social Security Fund .

Artists’ Social Security Fund (KSK) 
 

The Artists’ Social Insurance Act (KSVG) and the Artists’ Social Security Fund (KSK), commissioned by the legislator to implement this act, ensure that self-employed artists and publicists enjoy similar protection under statutory social insurance as employees.

Touring Artists – Checklist on artists’ social security contributions abroad:
When is this artists’ social security contribution relevant: For fees for events or rehearsals abroad? What obligations do organizers abroad have when they pay fees for services in Germany? Touring Artists has created a checklist on artists’ social security contributions and cross-border activities, which is available online .

To the checklist 

The KSK also offers seminars at regular intervals. You can find all information on the

KSK website

The Laaser law firm regularly publishes interesting and important articles on its website regarding current legal issues that are particularly relevant for freelance artists and independent ensembles in the implementation of projects and the administration of funding.

Laaser Law Firm‎
Conflicts between subsidy law and artists’ social security contributions
VAT liability on funding
Limiting employment contracts for funding?‎
(relevant for institutions)

The German Theater Technical Society (DTHG) offers a comprehensive range of further education for cultural workers. Under the name DTHG-Bildungsbühne – Skills and Tools for Theater and Technology, training courses are offered for various levels of knowledge concerning specific work in the cultural sector. Key topics include Virtual Reality in theater, occupational safety on stage, grant applications, and much more. Some formats are free of charge. You can find all information on the‎

DTHG website

For questions regarding GEMA reports or to contact the authority, please contact:

gema.de/en/help

For specific questions in the field of theater, you can find information at the following link .

gema.de/en/music-users/industries/theater

The BFDK is the umbrella organization for the independent performing arts in Germany. Whether theater and dance houses, collectives, or individual actors – the BFDK represents a total of around 27,000 independent dance and theater professionals throughout Germany.
The German Association of Independent Performing Arts (BFDK) represents the interests of the independent performing arts at the federal level vis-à-vis politics, administration, and the public. It advocates for better working conditions, fair funding structures, and sustainable framework conditions for artists and actors. In addition, the association networks its members, offers advice, and strengthens the cultural-political discourse.

German Association of Independent Performing Arts (BFDK)

MFG Baden-Württemberg organizes seminars for cultural and creative professionals, founders, self-employed individuals, and small business owners, as well as specialists and managers from cultural institutions.

You can find all events of the MFG Academy here:

MFG Events

MFG also offers support for entrepreneurial questions, individually and free of charge with orientation consultations. All information here:

MFG Orientation Consultation

KUBUZZ is a further education and coaching program in Baden-Württemberg that supports independent artists and cultural workers of all disciplines with the challenges of self-employment. The goal is to improve the management skills and qualifications of self-employed cultural workers, to strengthen them in the challenges of self-employment, and also to promote exchange among artists.

kubuzz.de

KUBUZZ E-Learning enables digital, independent learning on various topics, such as the Artists’ Social Security Fund:

KUBUZZ E-Learning

Registration in the E-Learning area is required for use.

PAP-Berlin offers interesting training and further education programs at regular intervals. Just click on the website or subscribe to the newsletter. More information on the events of PAP-Berlin can be found here:

pap.de
Themis Trust Center against Sexual Harassment and Violence e. V.

Free psychological and legal advice for the culture and media industry
Contact: Hotline: 030 23632020

beratung@themis-vertrauensstelle.de

 

Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency

Free legal advice for all sectors and forms of discrimination
Contact: Hotline: 0800 5465465

‎ beratung@ads.bund.de

 

Forum der Kulturen, Stuttgart

Free consultation for BIPoC
Contact:‎

empowerment@forum-der-kulturen.de

 

Office for Discrimination-Critical Work Stuttgart

Qualified anti-discrimination advice
Contact: 0711-2372682

beratung@bfda.de

 

Bine Schulz

Systemic counseling for BIPoC
Contact: +49 (0)172 6947687

mail@bineschulz.de

 

Women’s Counseling and Therapy Center Stuttgart e. V.

Counseling after sexual assault
Contact: 0711 28 59 -001/-002

‎ info@frauenberatung-fetz.de

 

Wildwasser‎

Independent professional specialist advisory center against sexual violence
Contact:‎

info@wildwasser.de

The podcast is aimed at everyone working in the cultural sector, as well as those interested in culture and politics. Artists and cultural workers talk about their everyday work and grievances, while presenting empowering best practice examples on topics such as diversity, sustainability, and fair pay. Each episode highlights an exciting project space and musical act from the region.

‎‎ Further information at:

To the podcast

Can be found on Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and in the program of Freies Radio für Stuttgart, always on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 1 PM to 2 PM.

Here you will find an overview of various funders and funding opportunities.

The Cultural Office of the City of Stuttgart offers funding opportunities for projects, institutions, and in the field of cultural education. In the area of project funding, the Cultural Office of the City of Stuttgart supports cultural workers in the fields of visual arts, dance and theater, film and media, literature and music, as well as intercultural cultural work and socio-culture. Cultural projects within the framework of twin-city exchange are also funded.

The contact person in the dance and theater section is the specialist consultant Nora Niethammer.

Funding opportunities
Nora Niethammer

  • Individual project funding
    (Financing project development, rehearsals, final rehearsals)
  • Conceptual funding (max. 3 years)
  • Research funding

Funder: Cultural Office
Application deadline: October 15
Frequency: Once per year
Consultation: Jury
Decision: Jury and subsequent resolution by the City Council
Application amount: unlimited
Volume in €: €402,000 (total)

  • Performance and Revival Funding
    (Premiere, 4x performances, 3x performances in the course of a revival)

Funder: Since March 2020, the Performance and Revival Funding Stuttgart has been administered by the Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG in accordance with the guidelines of the City of Stuttgart.
Application deadline: Ongoing
Frequency: Ongoing
Consultation: Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG (FTTS)
Decision: Freie Tanz- und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG (FTTS) Application amount: according to guidelines
Volume in €: €195,000

Information on the Performance and Revival Funding of the City of Stuttgart, which is administered by the Freie- Tanz und Theaterszene Stuttgart gUG, can be found above under Performance and Revival Funding.

The Cultural Funding Newsletter informs you about all current funding measures and calls for proposals and provides further information that is important for Stuttgart’s cultural workers. You can register here:

Registration Cultural Funding Newsletter

On behalf of the State of Baden-Württemberg, the LaFT BW e. V. funds outstanding projects of the independent dance and theater scene with funds from the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts. Various funding programs are available for this purpose. The deadlines for applications vary depending on the funding program.

LaFT BW e. V.

The State of Baden-Württemberg promotes art and culture through scholarships, prizes, and funding programs.

Cultural Funding BW

The Baden-Württemberg Foundation promotes non-profit, innovative projects in the field of art and culture through its cultural fund. The decision on possible funding for projects is made by the Cultural Subcommittee of the Baden-Württemberg Foundation, which usually meets in spring, summer, and autumn. Note: Here, too, private individuals cannot submit an application. This funding can be used by non-profit institutions and public law corporations.

Baden-Württemberg Foundation

The Fonds Darstellende Künste funds artistic projects of the independent performing arts through various funding programs and regularly implements special programs.

Fonds Darstellende Künste

The National Performance Network by Joint Adventures is a funding program with the aim of promoting the exchange and dissemination of contemporary dance and theater within Germany, as well as creating incentives for a stronger (inter)national rotation of existing and new productions. Within the framework of Guest Performance Funding Dance and Guest Performance Funding Theater, guest performances of contemporary dance and theater productions within Germany can be funded. The Co-production Funding Dance and the Guest Performance Funding Dance International aim to strengthen the exchange between artists living in Germany and international organizers.

National Performance Network

In the General Project Funding of the Federal Cultural Foundation, artists from all disciplines can apply with large, innovative projects in an international context. The application amount must be at least 50,000 euros and at least 20% own and/or third-party funds must be secured at the time of application.

General Project Funding
 
Overview of BFDK funding structures at federal, state, and municipal levels.

The funding landscape for the independent performing arts is confusing for many actors. Funding instruments, application deadlines, selection procedures, etc. differ significantly from state to state. This makes cross-state work difficult for artists. In addition, due to the often low funding amounts and irregular submission deadlines at the municipal and state levels, it is difficult to obtain funds for co-financing – as is often required for federal funding. The German Association of Independent Performing Arts (BFDK) already published an initial representation of funding structures at the federal and state levels in 2024. In 2025, the BFDK further developed this offer and added exemplary municipalities (including Stuttgart).  

 
↓ Download BFDK 2025 publication
 
German Association of Independent Performing Arts (BFDK)

At this point, foundations are mentioned that have already funded projects by actors in the independent dance and theater scene of Stuttgart.

As an exclusively and directly non-profit institution, the Wüstenrot Foundation initiates, conceives, and implements its own foundation projects nationwide with about 70% of its funds and awards financial funding for the implementation of outstanding ideas and projects of other institutions with the remaining 30%. The awarding of financial funding is exclusively project-related. Institutional funding or permanent funding is not awarded. Important: Financial funding is awarded exclusively to domestic tax-privileged corporations and domestic corporations under public law for use for tax-privileged purposes. Financial funding to private individuals or abroad is not awarded.

Wüstenrot Foundation

Within the cultural sector, the Berthold Leibinger Foundation based in Ditzingen supports selected institutions and projects in the fields of classical music, theater, spoken language, and literature. Another focus is on reappraising the crimes of the Nazi dictatorship. In addition, international understanding is an important concern, which is why the foundation also participates in various fellowship programs.

Berthold Leibinger Foundation

The LBBW Foundation also supports projects in art and culture.
“With our support, artists, but also cultural institutions, can realize their projects in the fields of music and literature, visual and performing arts. This field is the main interest of the foundation. In addition, according to the provisions of the statutes, projects for the preservation of cultural values can also be supported, provided that the predominantly low funding amounts of the foundation can make a meaningful contribution.”

LBBW Foundation

The promotion of art and culture, especially performing arts, literature, and music, was always a great concern to Péter Horváth. In all areas of art and culture, the promotion of young artistic talent was particularly important to him. International understanding between Germany and Hungary also plays a special role in the promotion of institutions and projects.

Péter Horváth Foundation

In principle, Ritter Sport supports selected projects in art and culture, with a focus on the Baden-Württemberg region, the home of Ritter Sport.

Ritter Sport Art Promotion

You can find more foundations at:

stuttgarter-stiftungen.de
stiftungssuche.de
With our newsletter, you’ll always stay up to date. We introduce key players in the scene, highlight current premieres and projects, and keep you informed about important topics from the scene as well as our communication with the City and other institutions. You’re always warmly invited to respond to our information and reflections and share your thoughts with us.