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€4m allocated to festivals across all German states
March12
The German federal government has awarded funding commitments to 134 festivals as part of the third round of its Festival Funding Programme.
The initiative, administered through the office of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, distributed €4 million to support festivals across all 16 German federal states.
In total, 463 projects applied for funding, highlighting continued demand for financial support within the sector. Approximately 29% of applicants received funding in this round.
Focus on smaller festivals and regional cultural activity
The programme places particular emphasis on small and medium-sized festivals, which are seen as important contributors to cultural diversity and participation, particularly outside major metropolitan areas. According to the organisers, around 71% of the funded festivals are located in rural regions.
The funding is intended to help strengthen cultural structures, support artistic development, and provide performance opportunities for musicians. The initiative also aims to reinforce the role of festivals as platforms for innovation within the wider cultural and creative industries.
Wolfram Weimer, Germany’s Minister of State for Culture and the Media, said the programme targets areas where cultural diversity cannot be sustained through market forces alone.
“The Festival Funding Program strengthens music festivals as innovative drivers and cornerstones of our musical life,” Weimer said, adding that the programme reflects a continued cultural policy commitment from the federal government.
Jury highlights diversity and community engagement
Members of the programme’s jury noted the strong role of volunteer initiatives within Germany’s festival landscape.
Julia Gause, festival organiser and jury member, said the selection process highlighted the significant level of volunteer commitment supporting many events.
“The third round once again demonstrated how much dedication exists within the festival sector,” Gause said. “Many initiatives create important cultural spaces through volunteer-driven efforts.”
Among the festivals highlighted by the jury were events focusing on inclusion, diversity and experimental programming, including TIBA Festival in Cologne, La Figue in Karlsruhe, the Acceptance Festival in Potsdam and the KM28 Forstfest in Grünow.
Next funding round planned for September
Demand for the programme is expected to remain strong. A fourth funding round is scheduled for September 2026, with an additional €4 million allocated in the federal budget.
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