A cultural policy encounter salon in two parts

At the latest since the first sudden and drastic cultural funding cuts announced by the Berlin Senate for 2025, the financial situation of funding for the Berlin performing arts has become increasingly unclear. The volatile negotiations surrounding the 2026/27 double budget have added to the general uncertainty, and the discontinuation of several funding programs at the federal level has hit the Berlin scene particularly hard, as it has traditionally benefited strongly from federal funding.

4:00–6:00 pm: Impulses on the current situation
In the cultural policy encounter salon, numerous stakeholders from the scene, associations, politics, and public administration will have their say. Among others, we are pleased to welcome contributions from Cilgia Gadola and Paul Hess of the BFDK – Federal Association of Independent Performing Arts, from the Dance Association, and from the Performing Arts Fund on the consequences of the federal budget. Anne Schneider will present the current petition against the federal cuts. Marie Henrion from Tanzbüro Berlin, Dagmar Domrös on behalf of the Working Group of Children’s and Youth Theatres, Luise Würth from FAIRSTAGE, Daniel Brunet from the Coalition of the Independent Scene and LAFT Berlin, and Jannik Rodenwaldt from the GDBA will report from their respective fields of work.
The participation process for a Berlin Cultural Funding Act will be presented by Sarah Stührenberg, and Philipp Harpain will issue a call to action for the BerlinIstKultur campaign. Moderation and timekeeping will be handled by Janina Benduski from LAFT Berlin.
Together, we aim to discuss key questions regarding working conditions, funding, and cultural policy perspectives, and to consider possible next steps.

6:00–7:00 pm: Table conversations over a shared meal
A communal meal offers everyone present ample opportunities for follow-up questions, exchange, and encounters.

From 7:00 pm: Open discussion with speakers and audience
Together, we will summarize the current state of affairs and, along with our observers Arne Vogelsang and Theresa Schütz, look for solutions and possible courses of action. An open discussion format invites both the speakers and visitors to take part. The bar will be open, and moderation will be by Alisa Tretau.

FAIRSTAGE advocates for discrimination-free and fair working conditions for all permanent and freelance employees at publicly funded Berlin theatres. The goal is to pool expertise and take a targeted stand for a fairer Berlin performing arts sector. FAIRSTAGE runs various programs, including participatory formats, an annual conference, recommendation papers, and publications. In practice, diversity-sensitive work at FAIRSTAGE also means calling for and supporting continuing education, qualification, and exchange opportunities for institutions, while strengthening marginalized stakeholders in these contexts.