Individual artists, collectives, and theatres collaborate internationally; guest performances, residencies, and exchange programmes create opportunities for cross-border encounters. It is therefore important for our members to understand how policy and funding frameworks for the independent performing arts are structured in other European countries. It is also important to consider the state of artistic freedom. At the same time, other countries offer exciting perspectives on issues such as social security, the design of funding structures, and working conditions in the independent performing arts. For example, our “Systemcheck” project focused on the working conditions and social security of solo self-employed and hybrid workers in the performing arts. In order to make meaningful proposals for improving and expanding Germany’s social policy instruments, good practice examples from other European countries were also examined.

To ensure ongoing international exchange, we are a member of the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM) and serve on the board of the European Association of Independent Performing Arts (EAIPA).