Travel Expense Funding for Guest Performances in Germany

The travel cost funding program “Guest Performances in Germany” is aimed at non-profit organizations, public institutions, and companies that invite theater and dance ensembles from developing and transition countries (according to the DAC list) to perform in Germany. A one-time grant exclusively supports travel and transportation costs to strengthen cultural exchange and enable international artists to present their productions to a German audience. The funding body places particular emphasis on the quality of the artistic implementation, the relevance of the inviting organizer, and the supraregional visibility of the guest performances. Sustainability aspects are also considered in the decision-making process: for journeys up to seven hours or 600 km, climate-friendly means of transport such as trains are preferred, and additional costs compared to flight prices may be subsidized.

Applications can be submitted at any time but are processed in quarterly deadlines (November 15, February 15, May 15, August 15). A prerequisite for application is an informal invitation without any firm bookings made (flights, hotels). A complete application includes, among other things, a description of the festival or context, detailed information about the applicant, a financing plan with evidence of income, expenses, and remaining financing, as well as three comparative offers (for flights, an additional climate-neutral offer). Furthermore, a note on previous funding measures by the funding body must be attached. After a positive decision, bank details and the name of the contractual contact person must be provided. This funding instrument offers festival organizers, theaters, and other event organizers a simple way to enrich their repertoire with international formats and sustainably promote German-foreign dialogue in the fields of dance and theater.