The study has been completed and the first results were presented at Radialsystem Berlin in September. This was followed in early November by another presentation and discussion at the Akademie der Künste Berlin together with other academics who have done research on the topic of independent performing arts.
The government measures to combat the COVID 19 pandemic have hit the actors in the cultural sector with full force. From one moment to the next, their work could no longer be implemented as usual. The liberal performing arts, as a social and physical art form that seeks interaction with people on stage and in theatre settings ike no other, have been particularly affected by “social distancing”. The health crisis has thus become an economic catastrophe for many actors. State support is perceived differently and, due to the federal system, varies from state to state, but also from municipality to municipality.
The study aims to record changes in the support structures and to this end focuses primarily on the level of the federal states with municipal case studies. In addition, the question arises as to how compatibility with funding at the federal level is perceived at these levels. Last but not least, it is important to analyse what effects the changes in funding structures have on the actors of the independent performing arts. What lessons can be learned from this for a funding structure after the pandemic? How should the relationship between the state and the independent performing arts be conceived in order to develop a more crisis-resistant system?
Methodologically, a mixed-methods approach is planned, including document analyses, guideline-based interviews with stakeholders as well as a nationwide survey among the members of the associations in the federal states.
Duration: January to September 2021
Client: German Association of Independent Performing Arts e.V.
Contact: aron.weigl(at)educult.at
KulturKatapult