Initiatives of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft
Federal, state and institutional funding supports Hamburg's creative professionals in all sectors. The monthly article provides a compact overview of the current funding programmes with all the important information and deadlines.
In February, there are exciting opportunities for creatives working in visual arts, music, film, and design.
The 3rd XR-History Award, organised by the Körber Foundation's eCommemoration programme, invites artists and creatives to submit XR projects that combine contemporary art, narrative formats and historical themes. The selected projects will be presented at the A MAZE Festival 2026 in Berlin, with the winner receiving €2,000 and taking part in a panel discussion. The XR-History Award highlights immersive approaches to storytelling, remembrance culture and digital art. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026 . learn more
The PACT Zollverein residency programme offers artistic residency funding for the development and creation of projects and productions. For the period from August to December 2026, professional artists are invited to further develop their projects at PACT Zollverein's Künstlerinnenhaus. The programme offers work and rehearsal spaces, on-site accommodation, a weekly stipend, reimbursement of travel expenses, technical infrastructure and professional support. The aim is to facilitate artistic processes, promote exchange and develop new works in an internationally oriented production centre. The closing date for applications is 23 February 2026 . learn more
The "International Cultural Exchange" department of the Ministry of Culture and Media supports artistic projects in exchange between Hamburg and abroad, the realisation of which is of considerable cultural policy interest. In this way, the authority aims to enable Hamburg's cultural and creative scene to present itself and network internationally. In particular, projects by Hamburg cultural practitioners abroad and projects by international cultural practitioners in Hamburg are supported. The deadline for projects starting in the second half of 2026 is 16 March 2026 . find out more
The "Hildegard and Horst Röder Foundation" and the "Kulturglück" foundation have launched the "Culture for All!" fund in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Media. The aim of the fund is to enable or facilitate access to culture for Hamburg residents with a physical, mental or cognitive disability, a sensory impairment or a dementia-related illness. Organisations based in Hamburg and people living in Hamburg who carry out cultural projects for the aforementioned target groups in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted by 15 December for the following year and by 15 May in the current year. Find out more
stART.up is a one-year scholarship programme for young artists, musicians and cultural professionals from all disciplines, which supports them in starting a freelance artistic career in Hamburg. The programme combines financial and non-material support. Scholarship holders receive up to 1,400 euros per month over a period of twelve months. The funding programme also includes a mandatory accompanying curriculum with workshops, seminars and coaching on topics such as communication and marketing, time management, legal principles, funding applications, negotiation skills, inclusion and artificial intelligence. The application deadline is 15 February 2026 . find out more
Workspace funding from nextMedia.Hamburg is aimed at start-ups and media makers and enables the free use of workspaces and meeting and workshop rooms at SPACE in the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district. The funding covers a period of six months. Applications can be submitted at any time. Learn more
The Hamburgische Kulturstiftung supports art and cultural projects by up-and-coming artists in the fields of visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, film, photography and interdisciplinary as well as children's and youth culture projects. For example, performances, (music) theatre performances, exhibitions, concert series or festivals are supported. The maximum funding amount is 15,000 euros. Projects can be submitted all year round. Find out more
Hamburg Pride e.V. offers project funding. Anyone with project ideas that pursue the same goals as Hamburg Pride e.V. can apply. This includes, for example, the reduction of existing prejudices against the queer community or the (solidarity) support of victims of anti-homosexual violence. Applications can be submitted at any time. Application deadline: ongoing. Find out more
The German Federal Cultural Foundation's "Zero Fund", which is open to applications, is aimed at organisations and actors who are already familiar with the practice of ecological sustainability and at the same time are willing to work with commitment and curiosity on climate-friendly alternatives to cultural production. The fund is intended to support cultural institutions in testing climate-neutral forms of production and new aesthetics with the least possible impact on the climate. The aim is to make a model contribution to a reorientation of the German cultural landscape in order to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in the long term. Funding of up to 140,000 euros per project is available. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis until 2027. Find out more
The Rusch Foundation supports individual projects with an amount of up to 7,500 euros. The projects must take place in Hamburg. The founders explicitly mention the areas of music and theatre as well as the promotion of young artists. Higher funding may be approved in individual cases. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing and informal basis. Learn more
The "Smile" art scholarship from the Bösenberg Foundation in cooperation with the Künstlerhaus Meinersen is aimed at visual artists and offers the opportunity to explore the phenomenon of the "smile" artistically. The scholarship includes a monthly payment of €1,000 as well as a rent-free stay at the Meinersen Künstlerhaus with living and studio space. Applications are open to young art school graduates. The application deadline is 15 February 2026 . Find out more
Project funding supports professional visual artists based in Hamburg in the realisation of projects such as the conception and production of new works, exhibitions or publications. Project proposals are selected by a jury of experts in the spring. The maximum application amount for individual artists is 7,000 euros. The maximum application amount for groups is 12,000 euros. Submission of documents is possible from 2 February to 2 March 2026. Learn more
The funding programme is aimed at professionally working visual artists, collectives and art mediating initiatives and actors in the conception and implementation of art in public space in Hamburg. The Hamburg programme is characterised by its experimental claim to continuously question the understanding of public space and art in public space and to expand it through corresponding projects. Applications can be submitted until 15 March 2026. Find out more
In accordance with its articles of association, the non-profit Liebelt Foundation supports both individuals and non-profit organisations or institutions (under public and private law). These include:
The application deadline is 15 March 2026. learn more
The Uwe Lüders Trust Foundation of the Sparkassenstiftung Lüneburg supports visual artists, regardless of their financial and social situation and age, who are not yet established on the art market and are not yet successfully represented by other galleries or institutions. The scholarship holders receive a monthly grant for a period of three months. In addition, the scholarship grants a free stay in a studio flat in the city centre of Lüneburg. Attendance of at least six weeks is a prerequisite for participation. At the end of the scholarship, there is the opportunity to realise an exhibition in Lüneburg in cooperation with the Sparkassenstiftung Lüneburg. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Three to four scholarships are awarded each year. Find out more
The Ministry of Culture and Media supports the expansion of studios for professional visual artists who live and work in Hamburg. Only recognised professional artists are eligible for funding. A rental agreement for at least five years future rental security must be provided for the studio to be extended. In the case of special structural measures, a declaration of consent from the tenant is required. The application must be submitted at least three months before the start of the construction work. Find out more
The call for entries for the interdisciplinary arts festival artspace bremerhaven is aimed at artists from all fields of visual and performing arts who wish to present temporary artistic positions in public spaces and unusual urban spaces. Funding is provided for selected projects in the form of fees, material grants and reimbursement of accommodation and travel expenses; in addition, the festival offers wide-ranging visibility and presentation opportunities in vacant and culturally utilised locations of the "Alte Bürger" in Bremerhaven. The closing date for applications is 15 March 2026 Find out more
On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Media, the DfdK awards diffusion funding, a revival and guest performance grant aimed at all independent performing artists in Hamburg who would like to show existing productions again in Hamburg or elsewhere.the declared aim is to increase the visibility of existing productions and enable better evaluation of individual projects. The keyword is sustainability.the application deadline is 1 March 2026. find out more
The Werkstatt der Jungen Filmszene is an up-and-coming film festival for young filmmakers from Germany. It will take place for the 61st time from 22 to 25 May 2026 in Wiesbaden. In addition to the film programme, the festival offers the opportunity to exchange ideas, network and establish contacts in the film scene. Applications are open to young filmmakers who are no older than 26 at the time of completion of their film. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026 . find out more
Moin Filmförderung's NEST brings authors, creators and producers together, online and offline. It replaces the previous types of funding for treatments and screenplays as well as in the innovative area for ideas and concepts. Interested parties can apply with their ideas for feature and animated films, cinema documentaries, high-end series and innovative formats such as XR or 360 degrees. In total, you can receive up to 100,000 euros in funding for feature films with the NEST tools. Documentary films and innovative formats can receive up to 50,000 euros in funding, while high-end series can receive up to 150,000 euros. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis. Find out more
Die Projektförderung des Musikfonds unterstützt Musiker*innen mit bis zu 50.000 € für förderfähige Ausgaben. Darunter vor allem: Künstlerische Honorare in angemessener Höhe, weitere projektbezogene Personalkosten, Veranstaltungs- und Produktionskosten, Reise- und Übernachtungskosten. Die Förderung setzt grundsätzlich eine Kofinanzierung in Höhe von mindestens 10 v.H. der zuwendungsfähigen Gesamtausgaben voraus. Beworben werden kann sich im Zeitraum 01.-31. März 2026. Mehr erfahren
Die Hamburger Labelförderung richtet sich an kleine unabhängige Musikfirmen in Hamburg. Die Förderung erfolgt in Form eines Zuschusses, der zwischen 2.000 und 10.000 Euro betragen kann. Im Kontext von konkreten Musikveröffentlichungen können der eigentliche Produktionsprozess und der Bereich Marketing/Promotion gefördert werden. Die Behörde für Kultur und Medien vergibt die im Haushaltsjahr bereitstehenden Gesamtfördergelder zu jährlich zwei Terminen: Die regelmäßigen Antragsfristen enden stets am 15. Februar und 15. August eines jeden Jahres.
Up to twice a month, 105 VIERTEL organises concerts together with young talents and up-and-coming bands at venues of their choice. These events offer musicians the opportunity to gain stage experience, expand their reach and attract new audiences. As a sponsor, 105 VIERTEL assumes the role of organiser as well as all costs for the venue, GEMA, Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and applicable taxes. The programme is aimed at up-and-coming musicians from Hamburg. Applications can be submitted at any time via the 105 VIERTEL contact form. Learn more
The Ministry of Culture and Media promotes literary life in Hamburg and the work of Hamburg authors. The aim of the funding is to enable a diverse and ambitious literary life in our city, which offers Hamburg residents the opportunity to engage with literature and its current debates, creates spaces for discussion and encounters and facilitates working conditions for authors. Applicants can submit their applications throughout the year - up to two months before the start of each project.
Find out more.
Unter dem Wettbewerbstitel „Glass can …“ sind Studierende aus designorientierten Studiengängen eingeladen die besonderen Eigenschaften von Glas herauszustellen und kreative Verbindungen zu anderen Materialien und Rohstoffen zu schaffen. Die Teilnehmer*innen können ihre Kreativität, Individualität und gestalterische Kompetenz in ihre Entwürfe einfließen lassen und ihre Kenntnisse, Fähigkeiten und erlernten Techniken praktisch anwenden. Der Glass Design Award bietet ihnen Raum zum Forschen, Experimentieren und zum Ausloten der Grenzen des Möglichen. Der 4. Glass Design Award ist mit 10.000 Euro Preisgeld dotiert. Bewerbungsschluss ist der 28. Februar 2026. Mehr erfahren
Der Prototypenförderung von Gamecity Hamburg stehen pro Jahr bis zu 400.000 Euro Fördergelder zur Verfügung. Die Förderung unterstützt Entwickler*innen und Spielestudios (natürliche und juristische Personen) bei der Erstellung von Prototypen für digitale Spiele. Die Förderung ist nicht rückzahlungspflichtig und wird über maximal 80.000 Euro und maximal 80 Prozent der förderfähigen Kosten gewährt. Die Bewerbungsphase für die nächste Förderrunde läuft vom 23. Februar bis zum 30. März. Mehr erfahren
Mit der Auslobung des August-Sander-Preises verbindet sich die Idee, junge zeitgenössische künstlerische Ansätze im Sinne der sachlich-konzeptuellen Fotografie zu fördern. Vor dem Hintergrund der bedeutenden Porträtfotografien von August Sander sollen sich die fotografischen Werke der Bewerber*innen vorrangig auf das Thema des menschlichen Porträts beziehen. Der Preis ist mit 5.000 Euro dotiert. Teilnahmeberechtigt sind nationale und internationale Künstler*innen, die ab dem 1. Januar 1986 geboren wurden. Einsendeschluss ist der 27. Februar 2026. Mehr erfahren
Der Call for Photography 2026 in der smallest gallery in Graz richtet sich an Fotograf*innen aller Sparten und lädt dazu ein, künstlerische Antworten auf ein vorgegebenes fotografisches Bildpaar zu entwickeln. Die Ausschreibung erlaubt individuelle Interpretationen ohne thematische Einschränkungen und umfasst Arbeiten von konzeptioneller, experimenteller und zeitgenössischer Natur. Die Ausschreibung bietet eine Plattform für Sichtbarkeit, Austausch und Vernetzung zwischen Künstler*innen, Kurator*innen und Publikum. Bewerbungsschluss ist der 22. Februar 2026. Mehr erfahren
