A Loss for Dance and its International Relations

The future of the Internationale Tanzmesse NRW, one of the world’s most prominent contemporary dance fairs, is now in jeopardy due to significant funding cuts from the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Culture.

For 30 years, the Tanzmesse has been a vital hub for international networking, supporting the global dance community by fostering collaboration and showcasing innovation. The event, organized by the NRW Landesbüro Tanz, has now lost its funding, marking a major setback for the region’s dance scene.

The funding cuts also impact IDAS NRW, an initiative that has facilitated international connections for the dance sector in North Rhine-Westphalia for the past 15 years. As a result, the region closes off to the sector's international partnerships and undermines vital cultural, social, and economic exchanges.

In response, the Landesbüro Tanz calls on the state government to reconsider its decision and restore funding for these key cultural initiatives. Their appeal, which can be read here, underscores the importance of Tanzmesse and IDAS NRW in sustaining the vibrancy and global influence of dance in the region.

The European Dance Development Network (EDN) expresses its strong support for Tanzmesse. As one of the most important international platforms for contemporary dance, Tanzmesse connects artists, curators, and audiences worldwide, driving the creation of new artistic collaborations and partnerships. EDN urges policymakers to recognize the event’s vital role and take action to ensure its survival for the benefit of the entire global dance community.

A Call for Solidarity in Berlin’s Dance Scene

Berlin, long celebrated as a global dance hub, is facing its own challenges due to drastic cuts to funding and infrastructure. These cuts threaten the future of the city's dynamic dance community, which has long been a powerhouse of innovation and creativity in the arts.

A press release by the action group #BerlinIstKultur highlights how Berlin’s cultural landscape is rallying together to call for solidarity in culture, the preservation of cultural diversity, and a concrete plan for the future of the arts.

Next to Tanzbüro Berlin, the Freelance Dance Ensemble Berlin is drawing attention to the serious consequences these funding cuts could have on the growing community of freelance dancers, whose livelihoods depend on continued support for the sector.

Amid this crisis, the Tanz Macht Berlin event at the Akademie der Künste on 1 February 2025, will bring together key stakeholders from the dance world to discuss immediate needs and long-term strategies for the sector. The event will feature a dialogue with Joe Chialo, the Senator for Culture and Social Cohesion in Berlin. It will serve as the first in a series of discussions with ten dance networks from across Germany. These networks will collaborate on strategies for the future of dance, particularly in light of ongoing funding cuts across the country.