The BFDK is active internationally and is in close dialogue with other European organisations. It is committed to defending the freedom of the arts, which is more and more under threat in Europe.
Individual stakeholders, collectives and theatres increasingly collaborate internationally. Consequently, the general conditions that exist in other European countries are also important for BFDK members. The association takes this into account through its involvement in international organisations: it is a member of the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM) and the European Association of Independent Performing Arts (EAIPA). In this way, the BFDK participates in cultural policy decision-making processes on a European level and exchanges ideas with its international partner networks.
From 2021 to 2023, the central focus is on dialogue and cooperation across Europe as part of the BFDK project Systemcheck. This project deals with the working conditions and social security of self-employed and hybrid workers in the performing arts. In order to improve the social policy instruments in Germany and increase them, it looks at good practice examples from other European countries.
The BFDK also promotes contact and cooperation between and with associations, festivals, theatres and individual stakeholders from the countries bordering Germany.