Professionals in the independent performing arts are active not only in metropolitan areas but also beyond them. According to the 2023 BFDK statistics, 24% of association members work in medium-sized and small towns as well as in rural areas. These regions rarely have municipal or state theatres and generally offer fewer cultural opportunities than urban centres. The independent performing arts thus play a vital role in shaping cultural life. They ensure participation and serve as important anchors for strengthening democracy. Accordingly, we place strong emphasis on supporting artists and venues in rural regions.

In 2016, we established the “Working Group on Spaces and Regions” for this purpose. It meets regularly to promote exchange between urban and rural areas as well as between different regions. We also have an ongoing collaboration with INTHEGA, the professional association for touring theatre; many of its venues are located in rural areas. In 2024, we became a project partner of “Touring Venues and the Independent Scene”, an initiative that fosters closer collaboration between independent professionals and INTHEGA venues.