Funding of non-governmental theaters and performing arts institutions
The Free State of Bavaria supports non-governmental theaters and performing arts throughout Bavaria with operating grants to strengthen a diverse theater landscape, including sustainability aspects. Applications for private theaters are possible until January 20 and for municipal theaters until April 1 of each year.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Recognition and institutional support of the supraregional significance of non-governmental theaters and performing arts institutions to ensure comprehensive theater provision throughout Bavaria, strengthening cultural education, and supporting sustainability measures in theater operations. The goal is to promote at least 50 institutions, including 25 private ones, in each administrative district as well as at least five festivals annually.
Eligible expenses
- Operating costs of the ongoing theater operations
Non-eligible expenses
- Depreciation
- Construction and investment costs over €5,000
- Expenses for guest performances of external stages
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Independent professional theatrical operation
- Year-round theatrical operation with at least 100 (municipal) or 90 (private) self-produced performances and new productions
- Children's and youth theater with theater education offerings, at least 90 performances and 1 new production
- Festivals with at least 30 performances and 2 new productions
- Profile of own dance ensembles and minimum run time (dance theater: 40 performances, 2 new productions)
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Documents required for application
- Informal grant application
- Budget plan
- Information on the schedule
- Application forms
Evaluation criteria
- Supraregional significance
- Number of own performances and new productions
- Consideration of sustainability goals
Description
The funding program “Support for Non-Governmental Theaters and Institutions of the Performing Arts” of the Bavarian State Ministry for Science and the Arts supports professional theater organizations in all administrative districts of Bavaria. The aim is the recognition and institutional funding of theaters of supraregional significance as well as comprehensive provision of theater offerings, especially in rural areas. Both privately operated as well as municipal and independent groups are funded, provided they demonstrate a self-producing operation with regular performances and new productions. The annual operating grants cover 30% to 50% of the uncovered deficit and reward various types of theater operations – from single-genre theaters to multi-genre theaters and festivals, as well as children’s and youth theaters or dance ensembles. Special attention is given to the integration of sustainability measures in theater operations and the cultural education of young audiences.
Eligible for participation are institutions with continuous operations: municipal theaters with at least 100 own performances, privately operated theaters with at least 90, children’s and youth theaters with theater-educational offerings, and festivals with at least 30 performances. Applications must be submitted by January 20 for private theaters and by April 1 for municipal sponsors; required documents include an informal grant application, budget plan, schedule details, and application forms. Evaluation criteria include supraregional significance, number of own productions, and sustainability concept. The program funds at least 50 institutions annually, including 25 private theaters, thereby contributing to a vibrant diversity of the performing arts in Bavaria.
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