Ensemble Funding

Independent professional music ensembles with at least three members in North Rhine-Westphalia can apply for annual funding ranging from €20,000 to €100,000 to specifically professionalize their artistic work and experiment with innovative formats. Project and general expenses are supported over an approval period of up to 36 months: these include fee-based services of musicians, conductors, and soloists, as well as costs for rehearsal rooms, administration, public relations, and artistic direction. The goal is to sustainably improve the working conditions of the ensembles, sharpen their artistic profile, and engage a broad audience in North Rhine-Westphalia through new formats. Selection is made through an expert jury process that equally evaluates artistic quality, degree of innovation, professionalism of planning, and impact within the state.

Application requirements include, among others, a verifiable presence in North Rhine-Westphalia for at least two years and the predominant execution of the project within the state. Applications must be submitted by February 28 each year and can apply from the project start date of September 1. The application must include a completed form, an approximately five-page concept description, a detailed concert plan, as well as proof of the core ensemble and founding date. Additionally, meaningful materials with internet links to audio and video samples should be submitted. A co-financing contribution of at least ten percent of the total expenses is expected, while general expenses must not exceed 30 percent of the eligible funding amount. With this funding offer, the state contributes to strengthening the diversity of the independent scene and further profiling North Rhine-Westphalia as a vibrant cultural space.