The Ethics Commission of the Dachverband Tanz Deutschland warns of the federal government's planned funding cuts for the independent dance scene and the resulting discrimination and power imbalances.

Many artists and cultural workers in the dance sector are already living in precarious situations. In addition to their artistic work, they often have to take on second jobs and worry about the next project commitment in order to secure their finances. The current funding guidelines are already associated with high requirements. They demand constant innovation and new ideas, so that projects cannot be repeated and can only be developed further in exceptional cases. All these structures, combined with a high level of bureaucracy, make sustainable work almost impossible at present.

The planned funding cuts and the cancellation of the budget for the Bündnis Internationale Produktionshäuser endangers the fair practice of the dance profession and threatens the continued existence of the independent scene. A lack of financial, material and human resources not only has a direct impact on artistic quality, but also on interpersonal relationships. Fair fees, fair working hours and well-equipped teams are essential for ethical co-operation. The federal government's efforts override ethical principles (such as anti-discrimination, sensitivity to structural power imbalances and sexualised violence), which the Ethics Commission advocates. We are moving backwards with such measures.

Through this political decision, the representatives of the federal government are distancing themselves from the realities and needs of a large part of the population and excluding less privileged people from art and culture by weakening the independent cultural scene. The planned measures will structurally reinforce hierarchies and the creation and consumption of art and culture will (once again) become a privilege to which only a few have access. The independent scene is the art space that is closest to the reality of many people's lives. It picks up on political phenomena and reflects on them, creates space for debate and sometimes even triggers social movements.

The population has a right to such an offer, because only a strong independent scene represents the true diversity of our society and a strong democracy.

In order to permanently protect the independent arts, in particular dance as an art form and its performers, from discrimination and to strengthen its existence, the Ethics Commission of the DTD demands an immediate revision and correction of the cutback decisions.

DTD Ethics Committee, 13th of August 2024

Read also the related topic:
Stellungnahme der INITIATIVE TANZ zum Haushaltsentwurf 2025 der Bundesregierung

On 13 September 2024, the Dachverband Tanz Deutschland, together with Bureau Ritter and JOINT ADVENTURES / NATIONALES PERFORMANCE NETZ, initiated the ‘Dance creates cohesion’ day of action in Berlin in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
We showed the power and creativity of dance to connect people. With performances and lecture demonstrations, hands-on activities, interviews and jam sessions, we entered into a great exchange of experiences.
The day culminated in a large demonstration with dance and for dance. Statements from artists and politicians mingled with music and dance. The diversity and potential of dance was made visible in the public space and brought into the political dialogue. We talked and danced together! Impressions of the day of action can be found here.