Do, 31. Juli 2025  |  10:00-16:00 | In Präsenz

Podewil
Klosterstr. 68, 10179 Berlin

You’ve got an idea for a project in the field of the independent avant-garde arts and would like to apply for cultural funding? Where to start? This workshop uses practical examples to provide you with basic knowledge about how to turn an idea into a cultural funding application in Germany. We will cover local funding systems, discuss strategies for grant writing and gain an overview of the central components of an application for a temporary artistic project - the written concept and the budget. This workshop is intended for artists, who can only realize their non-commercial artistic projects with the help of cultural funding. If you are unsure if your project applies to this category, which usually excludes e.g. TV-formats, film and artworks for public spaces, please contact us for a quick evaluation of whether this workshop is a good fit for you.

This is the perfect workshop for you if you’ve been asking yourself: What do I need to consider when researching suitable cultural funding for my artistic project? What questions should I ask myself while formulating my project idea? What do I need to consider when applying for project funding? How do I write a budget?

In preparation, please upload the following before July 20th in our registration form:

• Written outline (max. 800 characters) of your project idea that you wish to implement in the field of the independent arts. This can be a rough draft. It is merely to give us some idea of your background and your goals. We will not be directly addressing your project in the workshop unless you explicitly desire this to be done (and we have enough time).

The workshop is facilitated by Elena Polzer and Yu Bai.

Elena Polzer has worked as a producer and translator in Berlin’s independent dance scene since 2001. She’s a founding member of the production collective “ehrliche arbeit” a freelance office for culture, and has worked with a number of artists and festivals, such as Christoph Winkler, Sheena McGrandles, Olivia Hyunsin Kim/ddanddarakim and Das Helmi. She also curates, performs, crafts and consults, preferably on the subjects of collaboration, non-hierarchical communication, feminism, alternatives to capitalism, the value of craft, Fiber Art and ritual.

Yu Bai is a producer and dramaturge in Berlin's independent dance scene since 2019. Prior to this, she worked as a journalist and strategist in Amsterdam. In her work, she encourages artistic experimentation that transcends traditional art genres, avoiding rigid divisions. Her focus is on supporting projects that challenge the conventional relationship between the audience and art. She further facilitates networking and knowledge exchange among artists, cultural and political entities. To achieve this, she works with Tanzbüro Berlin, Performing Arts Programm Berlin (PAP) and Dachverband Tanz Deutschland. 

The workshop "Turning an idea into a proposal" is part of the “Basics” event series. In this event series, we aim to teach the basics of the German cultural funding system in various workshops and seminars. Ideally, you have already participated in our workshop “Basics: Orientation in funding opportunities", which gives an overview of existing funding programs and their underlying logic and have an understanding, what kind of art and culture projects can be funded.

Our on-site events take place at our location, Podewil in Berlin-Mitte. The Klosterstraße subway station, located directly in front of Podewil, is equipped with an elevator. The main entrance to Podewil is accessible via a ramp and an elevator. The back entrance can be reached via another ramp. Feel free to use the intercom to reach our reception team.

Please note: due to structural conditions, the ramp at the main entrance is somewhat steep and narrow. If needed, we’re happy to assist you. An accessible restroom is available.

You can find more information and photos at wheelmap.org.

 Do you have any questions or need assistance? Feel free to contact us:
030 247 49-778 | beratungszentrum@kulturprojekte.berlin

Participation is free of charge. As the number of places is limited, you must register by July 20th in advance using our registration form.

Information about cancellation:
We would like to give as many cultural and creative professionals as possible the chance to attend our events. If you are unable to attend, we kindly ask you to cancel your registration in advance. Please send an email to beratungszentrum@kulturprojekte.berlin at least 48 hours before the start of the event. This will allow someone else to take part in the event.