Current art and cultural funding
This page provides an overview of information for artists and cultural professionals who have fled to NRW as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In addition to local, national, federal and international calls for proposals, programs, initiatives and projects, the information library provides links to general contact points that can offer active support to these individuals upon their arrival in NRW and Germany.
The „Culture Helping Culture“ project launched by the Kulturrat NRW in 2022 ends on May 1, 2024 . Please note that the information library will no longer be updated after this date. We recommend checking the project pages listed to ensure that the information is up to date and to find out about any new calls for proposals. The information collection continues to serve as an overview of the funding landscape in NRW.
> MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND SCIENCE OF THE STATE OF NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA
On the website of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Ukrainian academics and students can find current assistance and support measures relating to culture and science. In addition to a clear listing of information, general funding programs for all artistic disciplines are also announced annually and published at the beginning of the year.
> GOETHE INSTITUTE
www.goethe.de/de/kul/foe/eau.html
Together with Artists at Risk, the Goethe Institute bundles support offers from cultural institutions in Germany and connects them with refugee artists from Ukraine. In addition, the Institute funds cultural organizations from all sectors that offer support services for artists from Ukraine. Smaller institutions in particular are encouraged to develop new projects.
> EU COMMISSION
https://culture.ec.europa.eu/bg/news/eu-supports-ukraine-through-culture
The website of the EU Commission provides information on the promotion of Ukrainian culture by the EU, in particular on the CREATIVE EUROPE program.
> IFA – INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The website of the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations features current and past ifa projects as well as an informative podcast on the Ukrainian art scene in times of war.
> IFA – INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
www.ifa.de/foerderungen/mentoringprogramm-ukraine/
The mentoring program specifically supports women and members of the LGBTQ+ community working in the arts and culture and offers them the opportunity to build networks together with mentors in Germany, achieve professional goals and establish new living situations.
> GERMAN CULTURAL COUNCIL
The German Cultural Council compiles bundled information from the cultural and media sector on the war in Ukraine. The site provides information on current measures in the cultural sector, appeals for donations and support measures. We focus on state and civil society sponsors from all cultural sectors.
> TOURING ARTISTS
At touring artists, artists, creative and cultural professionals in Germany and individuals who want to work in Germany can find answers to their questions about international mobility. At touring artists, artists and cultural professionals from all disciplines also have the opportunity to take advantage of free individual consultations on international projects and work stays abroad or in Germany. The advice focuses on the basic administrative rules for working internationally.
> TOURING ARTISTS – FUNDING DATABASE
www.touring-artists.info/ressourcen/how-to-mobilitaetsfoerderung/foerderdatenbank
The touring artists funding database contains a comprehensive overview of public institutions, foundations, associations, companies, etc. in Germany that support the international mobility of artists. In addition, some European and international programs are included. The focus is on funding opportunities in the visual and performing arts.
> CREATIVES UNITE
https://creativesunite.eu/ukraine-map/
Creatives Unite is a platform that depicts the situation of artists and cultural professionals living and working in Europe and addresses their working conditions. With a focus on Ukraine, the website publishes information on funding and financing opportunities for artistic projects. In addition to a map of solidarity with Ukraine, currently advertised EU-wide funding opportunities are posted online on a daily basis.
> ARTISTS AT RISK
ARTIST AT RISK is a non-profit organization that offers financial and structural support to persecuted, threatened or imprisoned artists. Artists at risk from Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan and other countries are primarily offered short-term or longer-term residencies that are linked to art institutions. Institutions and organizations can also apply for cooperation.
> CULTURE HELPS
www.zusaculture.org/our-work/culture-helps/
Culture Helps is an EU-funded program that supports projects by Ukrainian artists and cultural professionals, Ukrainian organizations and collaborations between cultural institutions in the EU and Ukraine. The focus is on the participation of refugees in cultural life and the promotion of mutual cultural understanding.
> MARTIN ROTH INITIATIVE
The Martin Roth Initiative is a scholarship program initiated by the ifa and the Goethe Institute, which is aimed at persecuted and threatened artists and cultural workers. The scholarship enables a stay in Germany or in a third country. The program also supports international and local networking.
> COWERK18
In the rooms of CoWerk18, creative artists can work on individual projects and use the opportunity for exchange, networking and mutual support in the context of a coworking space. In addition to workspaces, there are also opportunities to host your own events and take part in interdisciplinary events.
> AID A – AID FOR ARTISTS IN EXILE
www.aid-a.com/application-guide
Aid A – Aid for Artists in Exile helps artists and cultural professionals of all disciplines worldwide to pursue their activities. Artists from the fields of music, theater, performing arts, visual arts and literature can apply for the scholarship program.
> UNPERFEKTHAUS ESSEN
The Unperfekthaus in Essen offers free accommodation and access to stages, studios and workspaces to displaced cultural professionals for a period of three months. The project is also a central point of contact for the cross-disciplinary networking of cultural professionals.
> LUNA
www.fluechtlinge-willkommen-in-duesseldorf.de/ukraineukrajina/luna
Under the name LUNA, Flüchtlinge willkommen in Düsseldorf e.V. offers various workshops, coaching and training sessions. The focus here is on learning language and communication skills. The website also contains an information page with practical tips, offers of help and projects. For cultural professionals from Ukraine and other countries, cooperation with the zakk venue is particularly interesting, as is the radio station of the same name, LUNA, which is run by refugees.
> RIDNE SLOWO
Ridne Slowo e.V. is an association founded by Ukrainians living in Düsseldorf. The aim is to increase the presence of Ukrainian culture in NRW and other federal states. In addition to the Ukraine Day festival, the association organizes open art competitions and invites Ukrainian artists of all disciplines to cooperate.
> AKADEMIE SCHLOSS SOLITUDE
Akademie Schloss Solitude is an international and transdisciplinary artist residency. Its model provides artists and scientists with the freedom to develop their work and conduct research in physical and digital space. Akademie Schloss Solitude’s wide-ranging fellowship program promotes the interweaving of art and science in all disciplines and fields of practice. Akademie Schloss Solitude supports young artists, scientists and cultural practitioners with residency fellowships.
> CULTURE OF SOLIDARITY FUND
www.culturalfoundation.eu/open-calls/culture-of-solidarity-fund
The Culture of Solidarity Fund is a grant program established by the European Cultural Foundation. It supports various individual, collective, institutional and pan-European initiatives in the field of culture.
> FEDERAL PROGRAM FOR SOCIAL COHESION
www.bgz-vorort.de/DE/Foerderung/Ausschreibungen/ausschreibungen_node.html
The Federal Program for Social Cohesion supports projects for the social integration of immigrants that bring about lasting, positive change in the way people live together in cities and communities. The projects aim to create trusting social relationships that enable successful integration and tolerant and supportive coexistence on the ground.
> SOZIOKULTUR NRW
The state of NRW supports temporary sociocultural projects and transcultural project work. Soziokultur NRW is entrusted with the implementation of the funding program. Socioculturally oriented projects across all artistic disciplines are eligible for funding. Sociocultural projects are participatory, democratic and open to all target groups according to the principle of “culture by everyone for everyone.”
> CONTACTSFORUKRAINIANS.ART
On the ContactsForUkrainians.Art platform, you will find Europe-wide information on support for displaced Ukrainian artists. Transportation options from the border areas and accommodation throughout Europe are also covered here.
> STIFTUNG KUNSTFONDS
The aim of the Art Fund Foundation is to promote and preserve artistic quality. The Art Fund Foundation supports and secures contemporary work in the visual arts through grants, project funding and financial support for artists’ archives.
> KUNSTSTIFTUNG NRW
Kunststiftung NRW supports outstanding, pioneering and sustainable projects in the fields of literature, music, performing arts and visual arts with a connection to North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to institutional funding and funding for established artists, Kunststiftung NRW supports artists at the beginning of their careers with the AUFTAKT program.
> INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE VISUAL ARTS
The Internationale Gesellschaft der Bildenden Künste (IGBK) advises visual artists on work, exchange and funding opportunities in Germany and abroad, provides information on current international calls for applications, residencies and scholarships and arranges contacts. The IGBK also issues the International Identity Card for artists (IAA). In addition, the IGBK website contains a listing of different residency programs in Germany and thus provides a broad overview of the possibilities for temporary studio stays for German and foreign artists in the field of visual arts.
> INTERNATIONAL CITIES OF REFUGE NETWORK (ICORN)
The International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) is an independent association of cities and regions that offer refuge to journalists, writers and artists at risk, promote freedom of expression, defend democratic values and support international solidarity.
> INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
www.igbk.de/de/service/artists-in-residence
The Internationale Gesellschaft der bildenden Künste e.V. (IGBK) has compiled a helpful overview of international residency programs.
> NEW-START.MEDIA
new-start.media is a job portal that supports refugee cultural professionals from the media sector in their search for jobs. The platform also offers the opportunity to build a social network. The online academy shares information on the subject of job applications.
> HOUSE OF CRITICAL VOICES
https://mict-international.org/projectthouse/sfl607nuhofrk7q48ybolfag8djtfwBerlin
House of Critical Voices is organized by MICT – Media in Cooperation and Transition and offers accommodation for refugee media professionals, activists, authors and journalists. The program also helps with bureaucratic procedures and networking. In addition to housing options in Berlin and Brandenburg, a housing project is also being planned in NRW.
> FILMBÜRO NW
The Filmbüro NW connects filmmakers living in NRW who are looking for general or project-related advice with suitable and knowledgeable contacts. The advice is free of charge, open to all issues and subject areas and is primarily aimed at inexperienced filmmakers who want to benefit from the knowledge of established colleagues.
> FILMMAKERS FOR UKRAINE
www.filmmakers-for-ukraine.com
Filmmakers for Ukraine is a Europe-wide platform that shares offers of help of all kinds for refugee filmmakers from Ukraine and for all people affected by the war.
> AKTORKY & AKTORY
The Aktorky & Aktory platform was created for Ukrainian actors who are looking for work in Germany. The aim is to offer refugee actors the opportunity to become visible. aktorky-ta-aktory.org operates via the Castupload platform. The profiles on the platform are linked to other professional databases.
> INTERNATIONAL COALITION FOR FILMMAKERS AT RISK
Through its Emergency Fund, the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk has launched an emergency aid program to support refugee filmmakers with one-off grants of between € 500 and € 1500.
> FILM- UND MEDIENSTIFTUNG NRW
The mission of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW (NRW Film and Media Foundation) is to strengthen film and media culture and the film and media industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. As one of the most important funding institutions in Europe, the FMS promotes outstanding cinema and television films, series, games, web content, the modernization of cinemas and the development of radio plays and supports young film and media talents in NRW.
> WORLD CINEMA FUND
The World Cinema Fund supports the production and distribution of feature films and documentaries in non-European countries, thereby strengthening local film industries. The supported films deal intensively with the reality of the respective countries.
> KUNSTSTIFTUNG NRW
Kunststiftung NRW supports outstanding, pioneering and sustainable projects in the fields of literature, music, performing arts and visual arts with a connection to North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to institutional funding and funding for established artists, Kunststiftung NRW supports artists at the beginning of their careers with the AUFTAKT program.
> INTERNATIONAL CITIES OF REFUGE NETWORK (ICORN)
The International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) is an independent association of cities and regions that offer refuge to journalists, writers and artists at risk, promote freedom of expression, defend democratic values and support international solidarity.
> HOUSE OF CRITICAL VOICES
https://mict-international.org/projectthouse/sfl607nuhofrk7q48ybolfag8djtfwBerlin
House of Critical Voices is organized by MICT – Media in Cooperation and Transition and offers accommodation for refugee media professionals, activists, authors and journalists. The program also helps with bureaucratic procedures and networking. In addition to housing options in Berlin and Brandenburg, a housing project is also being planned in NRW.
> PEN DEUTSCHLAND – WRITERS IN EXILE
www.pen-deutschland.de/writers-in-exile
With its Writers in Exile program, PEN Germany offers authors who are persecuted in their countries of origin the opportunity to stay in Germany for up to three years. PEN also establishes networks with publishers and arranges readings.
> WEITERSCHREIBEN.JETZT
WeiterSchreiben.jetzt is a platform for authors from war and crisis zones. The project also connects exiled writers in tandems with renowned German-language authors and organizes readings.
> BÖRSENVEREIN
www.boersenverein.de/politik-positionen/frieden-fuer-die-ukraine
Publishers and companies in the book industry are not only calling for donations, but have also launched numerous campaigns. An overview, which is constantly updated, can be found on the Börsenverein website.
> #ARTISTSINSHELTER
www.translit-portal.de/artistsinshelter
#artistsinshelter is an initiative of German-speaking cultural practitioners. In cooperation with the Ukrainian Book Institute and PEN Ukraine, Translit e.V. is organizing a financial umbrella and setting up a fund for artists from Ukraine.
> GREENHAVEN ARTIST RESIDENCIES
https://www.thegreenroomforartists.de/greenhaven-artist-residencies
GreenHaven Artist Residencies supports artists at risk from non-EU countries. The residencies organized by TGR The Green Room usually last one to three months and are open to stage artists, theater makers, musicians and dancers.
> STATE ASSOCIATION OF MUSIC SCHOOLS IN NRW
www.lvdm-nrw.de/ukraine-wir-helfen
The State Association of Music Schools in NRW provides information about funding programs for refugees, lists useful links for music schools, musicians and music teachers, operates a job exchange and also cooperates with organizers of charity events in the field of music.
> STATE MUSIC COUNCIL OF NRW
The NRW State Music Council announced funding for “culturally and inclusively diverse music projects with refugee musicians in 2022.” Funding was provided for sustainable musical activities with a focus on cultural and inclusive diversity—e.g., language acquisition workshops, band workshops, music groups, open music-making, instrumental lessons, concerts and preparatory rehearsal phases, and festivals.
> HEIMAT:MUSIK
www.heimat-musik.de/foerderung
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia provides funding for public music schools in NRW. The project funding is directed toward a project or an offer from a music school that is aimed at both refugees and people with a history of immigration, together with participants without migration backgrounds. Further funding is expected to be announced in 2024, but a date has not yet been set.
> NRW STATE OFFICE FOR DANCE
www.landesbuerotanz.de/beraten
The NRW landesbüro tanz website provides extensive information on general assistance and sector-specific offers for professional dancers and choreographers in NRW. Yana Novotorova is the contact person for dance and theater professionals who have fled to NRW from war zones.
> NRW STATE OFFICE FOR INDEPENDENT PERFORMING ARTS
https://www.nrw-lfdk.de/index.php?article_id=3&clang=0
The NRW Landesbüro Freie Darstellende Künste awards annual subsidies with funds from the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and has been offering a mentoring program for independent groups, ensembles and collectives with the support of the Kunststiftung NRW since 2018. In addition, the state office awards guest performance funding in cooperation with the nrw landesbüro tanz, organizes top-level ensemble grants with funds from the ministry, supervises other funding programs and provides general advice on funding procedures.
> NRW STATE OFFICE FOR INDEPENDENT PERFORMING ARTS – FOCUS ON UKRAINIAN ARTISTS
https://www.nrw-lfdk.de/index.php?article_id=675&clang=0
The NRW State Office for the Independent Performing Arts uses funds from the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia to support projects with and by artists from the professional independent performing arts in NRW who have come to Germany due to the war situation in Ukraine.
> KUNSTSTIFTUNG NRW
Kunststiftung NRW supports outstanding, pioneering and sustainable projects in the fields of literature, music, performing arts and visual arts with a connection to North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to institutional funding and funding for established artists, Kunststiftung NRW supports artists at the beginning of their careers with the AUFTAKT program.
> TANZFAKTUR – DANCE AGAINST WAR
tanzfaktur collects donations for humanitarian institutions and protective clothing and organizes events focusing on Ukraine.
> GREENHAVEN ARTIST RESIDENCIES
https://www.thegreenroomforartists.de/greenhaven-artist-residencies
GreenHaven Artist Residencies supports artists at risk from non-EU countries. The residencies organized by TGR The Green Room usually last one to three months and are open to stage artists, theater makers, musicians and dancers.
> DANCE STATION – BARMER BAHNHOF
www.tanz-station.de/residenzen
The Tanz Station – Barmer Bahnhofs Tanz meets… program is a one-week residency in Wuppertal that combines dance and other artistic disciplines. The program is aimed at people who are interested in experimental development formats.
> DACHVERBAND TANZ DEUTSCHLAND – DANCE+BLUE+YELLOW
www.praetorianprojects.com/tgb/#what-tanz-gelb-blau-does
The project of the Dachverband Tanz Deutschland (DTD) puts dance professionals who have fled Ukraine in contact with German dance organizations. It also helps dance trainees find places where they can continue their training. In addition, the project offers support in dealing with authorities and administrative issues.
> FEDERAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT PERFORMING ARTS
www.darstellende-kuenste.de/aktuelles/ukraine-aktuelle-hilfsmoeglichkeiten
Here you will find extensive information on general assistance and sector-specific offers for dance in NRW.
> TANZNET
www.tanznetz.de/de/article/2022/hilfsangebote-fuer-ukraine
The Tanznet website provides an overview of funding, residencies and other offers for dance professionals who have fled to Germany as a result of the war of aggression against Ukraine.
> HELP DANCE
www.help-dance.org/de/gesuche/formular
Help Dance offers refugee dance professionals who have had to leave their place of residence due to the current war against Ukraine the opportunity to place requests and advertisements for help and support with accommodation, bureaucratic matters, access to suitable dance studios and advice on work opportunities.
> KUNSTSTIFTUNG NRW
Kunststiftung NRW supports outstanding, pioneering and sustainable projects in the fields of literature, music, performing arts and visual arts with a connection to North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to institutional funding and funding for established artists, Kunststiftung NRW supports artists at the beginning of their careers with the AUFTAKT program.
> GREENHAVEN ARTIST RESIDENCIES
https://www.thegreenroomforartists.de/greenhaven-artist-residencies
GreenHaven Artist Residencies supports artists at risk from non-EU countries. The residencies organized by TGR The Green Room usually last one to three months and are open to stage artists, theater makers, musicians and dancers.
> NRW STATE OFFICE FOR INDEPENDENT PERFORMING ARTS
https://www.nrw-lfdk.de/index.php?article_id=3&clang=0
The NRW Landesbüro Freie Darstellende Künste awards annual subsidies with funds from the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and has been offering a mentoring program for independent groups, ensembles and collectives with the support of the Kunststiftung NRW since 2018. In addition, the state office awards guest performance funding in cooperation with the nrw landesbüro tanz, organizes top-level ensemble grants with funds from the ministry, supervises other funding programs and provides general advice on funding procedures.
> NRW STATE OFFICE FOR INDEPENDENT PERFORMING ARTS – FOCUS ON UKRAINIAN ARTISTS
https://www.nrw-lfdk.de/index.php?article_id=675&clang=0
The NRW State Office for the Independent Performing Arts uses funds from the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia to support projects with and by artists from the professional independent performing arts in NRW who have come to Germany due to the war situation in Ukraine.
> PERFORMING ARTS FUND
The Fonds Darstellende Künste has expanded its residency program under the title #TakeAStand to include Ukrainian artists. The funding is aimed at Ukrainian artists in the performing arts. Funding is provided for research and concepts that aim to significantly develop artistic work. Concept funding will be offered again in 2024. Applications are open to independent groups, ensembles and artistic collaborations that have been operating successfully throughout Germany and internationally for many years.
