Elbe Culture Fund

The Elbe Culture Fund of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg targets natural and legal persons from Germany and abroad who wish to implement innovative and large-scale art projects in Hamburg as representatives of artists and cultural creators. The aim is to strengthen Hamburg's independent cultural scene and enable projects with supra-regional relevance. Excluded are commercial or already regularly funded projects, as well as projects in party-affiliated premises.

The Elbe Culture Fund supports art projects of all disciplines, with the exception of film productions, which are realized in Hamburg and have a project volume of at least 50,000 euros. The focus is on innovative projects that demonstrate artistic and conceptual quality.

The Elbe Culture Fund awards non-repayable grants for project funding, which can be granted as partial or, in exceptional cases, full financing. The exact amount of funding depends on the recommendation of a specialist jury and the nature and scope of the measure, with a project volume of at least 50,000 euros and an appropriate own contribution expected. Projects must be completed within 24 months of the funding commitment.

For funding from the Elbe Culture Fund, certain requirements regarding management, artistic quality, and financing must be met. Projects must not have already started and must not receive double funding. Special rules apply to the budget structure and the submission of a statement of use.

The application process for the Elbe Culture Fund takes place once a year online or in paper form, each for the following year. An independent specialist jury evaluates the submitted projects based on artistic quality, innovation, and relevance to Hamburg. The final decision is made by the head of the authority based on the jury's recommendations.

The Elbe Culture Fund is based on a special funding guideline and is regulated by Hamburg's State Budget Ordinance and the Hamburg Administrative Procedure Act. The General Ancillary Provisions for Grants for Project Funding (ANBest-P) are also decisive for the implementation and administration of the funding.