Funding

• The following costs are eligible, provided they are directly related to the project:

  • Personnel costs, fees, social security contributions (KSK)
  • Rental costs for rehearsal and/or work spaces
  • Costs for advertising, public relations and fundraising
  • Direct costs: equipment hire, furnishing for rehearsal and office spaces (no construction work unless it is to make spaces more accessible), technical costs, props and costumes, research materials etc.
  • Travel costs, transport, accommodation and subsistence
  • Other costs such as clearing of music or performance rights (GEMA), or project-related insurance

• An independent jury of experts will decide which projects are selected for funding. The assessment criteria include the following:

  • The quality and feasibility of the submitted proposal
  • The submitted proposal’s expected impact on the applicant’s artistic and structural development, or on the consolidation of their previous work
  • The quality of the applicant’s regional, national or international network, and their collaborations with other artists
  • The project’s contribution to improving working conditions for dance practitioners in Hesse
  • The project’s contribution to expanding the diversity of cultural offerings for audiences in Hesse

Funding strand A

• What do we fund?

  • Projects that support the applicant’s artistic and structural development. The geographic focus of these projects should be Hesse. Projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Research, productions, re-stagings, touring, residencies, professional development or qualifications
  • Measures to improve production conditions, such as renting rehearsal studios or work spaces
  • Measures to promote inclusion and improve accessibility
  • Activities that increase the visibility of the applicant’s artistic work, such as press and public relations, outreach and engagement

• Who can apply?

  • In principle, eligibility is open to professional dance practitioners regardless of their training background – whether applying as individuals, ensembles, or collectives – as well as graduates of state-recognized dance training institutions. Festivals, venues, universities, production centers, production offices, and collaborative networks within the dance sector can apply as well. Applicants must be based in Hesse (or, in the case of individuals, have their primary residence there).

• How much can I apply for?

  • The minimum amount projects can apply for is 5,000 euros and the maximum amount is 25,000 euros. The requested amount must be appropriate for the proposed project and its duration.

• What are the deadlines for applying?

  • One call for proposals is held each year. The relevant dates are updated on an ongoing basis.

  • Round 3

  • Call opens:

    15 April 2026

  • Application deadline:

    30 June 2026, 6 pm

  • Project start date:

    earliest 1 January 2027

  • Project end date:

    latest 31 December 2027

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Funding strand B

• What do we fund?

  • Two-year projects that address the entire dance scene and aim to include working conditions for dance practitioners in Hesse. The geographic focus of these projects should be Hesse. Projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Residency programmes
  • Support for emerging talent
  • Regional, national and/or interdisciplinary collaborations
  • Touring
  • Adapting or repurposing rehearsal spaces and venues
  • Measures to promote inclusion and improve accessibility
  • Mentoring programmes
  • Networking and knowledge sharing
  • Marketing, press and public relations
  • Outreach and engagement

• Who can apply?

  • In principle, eligibility is open to professional dance practitioners regardless of their training background – whether applying as individuals, ensembles, or collectives – as well as graduates of state-recognized dance training institutions. Festivals, venues, universities, production centers, production offices, and collaborative networks within the dance sector can apply as well. Applicants must be based in Hesse (or, in the case of individuals, have their primary residence there).

• How much can I apply for?

  • Projects can apply for up to 50,000 euros per calendar year (i.e. 100,000 euros per project). The requested amount must be appropriate for the proposed project and its duration.

• What are the deadlines for applying?

  • Calls for proposals are issued every two years. The relevant dates are updated on an ongoing basis.

  • Round 3

  • Call opens:

    15 April 2026

  • Application deadline:

    30 June 2026, 6 pm

  • Project start date:

    earliest 1 January 2027

  • Project end date:

    latest 31 December 2028