The independent performing arts are a driving force in the theatre landscape of Europe and beyond. Well over a million artists throughout Europe not only stand for innovative artistic formats, new forms of production, interdisciplinary collaborations and mobile work, but they also provide an important basic cultural supply in almost all fields of the arts.

The experience of the increasing international cooperation of performing artists, groups and theatres has given rise to the need for a deeper understanding of the framework and of the conditions for independent artistic work in the various countries of Europe. Mapping this European theatre landscape is one of the central concerns of the newly founded European Association of the Independent Performing Arts (EAIPA).

In Munich, the European umbrella organisation presents a pilot research based on current research in the eight European countries: Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Austria, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The research compares funding systems, describes the social situation of freelance artists and examines the influence of interest groups organised by civil society. The study reveals a wide variety of realities of life and work for artists and cultural practitioners and investigates the social disparities between individual countries and regions.

The results of the research and the comparative analysis of the work realities provide the basis for discussion with the participants.

In cooperation with the European Association of the Independent Performing Arts, Festival Politics in Independent Theatre and Federal Agency for Civic Education Germany

Please check the accessibility of the venue here.