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
First Round:
Cilgia Gadola und Paul Hess (BFDK – Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste)
Nicola Stillfried (Dachverband Tanz)
Marie Henrion (Tanzbüro Berlin)

Second Round:
Dagmar Domrös (Arbeitskreis der Kinder- und Jugendtheater)
Luise Würth (FAIRSTAGE)
Daniel Brunet (Koalition der Freien Szene)
Lars Zühlke (LAFT Berlin) 
Jannik Rodenwaldt (GDBA) 

Third Round:
Carolin Huth (AG Barrierefreiheit)
Grischa Schwiegk (Gob Squad) 
Anne Brammen (Ballhaus Ost)
Sarah Stührenberg (Berliner Kulturfördergesetz) 
Franziska Stoff (BerlinIstKultur)

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 Vogelgesang 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.