Short application procedure

FAQ

• Who is eligible to apply?

  We are looking for creative minds and committed teams!
  Applications are open to

  • Initiatives, associations, networks, foundations and similar organisations
  • Private individuals and individuals
  • companies
  • Public sector investment companies

  It is important that you show that you can realise your project within the specified period and that you will use and manage the funding correctly. The projects should not be primarily commercial in nature and should not be realisable without funding.

  Up to three different projects can be submitted per person or organisation. Projects or activities that support racism, sexism or other discrimination are excluded from participation.

• Hamburg city centre: Where can the projects be implemented?

  For the purposes of this call for proposals, Hamburg's city centre refers to the old town, the new town and HafenCity (see Annex 1).

  The projects submitted must relate to Hamburg's city centre and be relevant to the development of the city centre. Projects that can also be realised in other parts of the city are not primarily in demand.

  Pilot projects that have a spatial localisation must take place in the old town, the new town and/or HafenCity. Projects without a spatial location (communication projects, research projects, digital projects, etc.) must primarily deal with topics that are relevant to the Altstadt, Neustadt and/or HafenCity areas, are predominantly effective there or relate to these districts.

  The submitted projects can be planned for indoor and/or outdoor spaces and areas. The availability of the rooms or areas required for the submitted project must be proven in the application (e.g. by means of contracts). The Ministry for Urban Development and Housing and the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft do not provide any space for the projects. Appropriate authorisation must be obtained for the use of public spaces.

• Formate, Themen und Kriterien: Was für Projekte werden gesucht?

  We are looking for your ideas for a vibrant city centre. The projects can be realised in various formats. However, they should deal with relevant topics and fulfil certain criteria.

  The following formats can be submitted to us:

  • Events, series of events,
  • structural activities and/or measures,
  • open space design, greening,
  • exhibitions, presentations, design measures,
  • production sites and formats,
  • communicative activities,
  • digital tools,
  • networks, community building, operator and management models,
  • educational programmes, workshops, lectures,
  • other formats that are not listed here.

  Your project should be categorised under one or more of the following topics:

  • Retail & Experiences, Urban Production
  • Education
  • Urban culture
  • Housing
  • Public space
  • mobility
  • Impacts of climate change, climate protection
  • Architectural attractiveness, building culture, greening
  • Children & young people
  • Other topics that can provide impetus for a vibrant city centre and have not yet been included in the list.

  Your projects should support the visions from our ‘Target Compass for City Centre Development’ (as of June 2024). Here are the four principles you should keep in mind:

  • The city centre is the heart of Hamburg for everyone. - Your ideas should make the city centre attractive for everyone in Hamburg.
  • The attractiveness of the city centre arises from the interaction between the districts. - Connect the different neighbourhoods with each other and create exciting synergies.
  • In the city centre, current challenges are tackled with courage. - Dare to find innovative solutions to current problems.
  • The development of the city centre is a joint effort. - Your projects should show that you are willing to work together with others on the future of the city centre.

  Your application should make it clear how your project will make a positive contribution to the transformation of the city centre and what developments you want to initiate. The following points are important:

  • Sustainable impact: What will happen to your project after the funding ends? Give us an outlook.
  • Expected demand: How many visitors, participants or users do you expect? Describe your target group and the potential response.
  • Spatial dimension: If your project has a fixed location, explain why this location is particularly important or promising for city centre development.
  • Communication plans: How do you want to make people aware of your project? Tell us about your plans for public relations work.

  Are you unsure whether your project fits into these categories or fulfils the criteria? Contact Clara Bökelheide directly.

• Wann müssen oder können die Projekte umgesetzt werden?

  Your projects can be implemented in the short procedure from 1 October at the earliest. Your projects must be completed by 30 September 2025 and settled and documented by 31 October 2025. The projects can of course be continued, but support and funding from the Hidden Potential programme is not possible after 30 September 2025.

• Do I need a permission for my project?

  Depending on the nature of your project, various permissions may be required. It is important that you apply for these in good time. Allow enough time for this - depending on the event, it can take between 2 and 12 weeks, sometimes even longer. Also remember to realistically plan for the costs incurred, such as administrative fees.

  For example, you need permissions for

  • Projects in public and private outdoor areas
  • Events that cause noise or attract large numbers of people, especially in the evening and at night
  • Sale of food and beverages
  • Construction activities

  The Hamburg-Mitte district office is responsible, and for parts of HafenCity the BSW's Office for Building Regulations and Building Construction (ABH) or Hafencity Hamburg GmbH. The relevant contact persons can be found in the attachment (see attachment 3 in the download area).

  The City of Hamburg's service portal offers a practical guide for projects with an event character.

• How and by when do I submit my application?

  Applications in the short procedure for projects that require funding of up to 2,500 euros can be submitted from 16 September as long as funds are still available. Applications must be submitted digitally using the application form.

• What information is required for the application?

  In the short procedure, applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis from 16 September as long as funds are available. Projects can be implemented from 1 October at the earliest. Applications must be submitted digitally and should include the following information:

  • A fully completed digital application form with:
    • information on the actors involved (CV, references, work samples),
    • description of the project,
    • explanations on the relevance for the city centre development target compass (as of June 2024),
    • information on the location,
    • time frame and schedule of the project (incl. conception, planning, implementation, follow-up and evaluation),
    • communication measures,
    • dealing with possible approvals,
    • follow-up and evaluation of the project,
    • explanations on the relevance for the city centre development target compass (as of June 2024). concept, planning, implementation, follow-up and evaluation),
    • communication measures,
    • dealing with possible approvals,
    • assessment of the project's success.

  • A robust financial plan that clearly sets out all expenditure and income and clearly shows the funding requirements (a calculation grid is provided).
  • Legal declaration on the rights to the project (free from third-party rights).
  • Declaration on participation in dialogue formats for coordination and knowledge transfer during the project period, carried out by the city centre coordination and commissioned third parties.
• How and when will the applications be decided?

  Decisions on applications in the short procedure will be made by representatives of the City Centre Coordination, the District of Mitte, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and the Kreativ Gesellschaft within 14 days of receipt of the complete application documents if possible.