Since 2015, the Alliance for Festivals of Hamburg’s Independent Dance and Theatre Community (Bündnis für Festivals der Freien Tanz- und Theaterschaffenden Hamburgs e.V.) has been organizing Hamburg’s festival of independent performing arts. Originally launched under the name Hauptsache Frei, the festival is currently known as Fringify.

For the festival editions beginning in 2027, the Alliance is seeking an individual or a team of up to two people to take on the artistic and organizational leadership of Hamburg’s annual festival for independent performing arts. The festival has secured funding from the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg for the period 2027–2029.

With the upcoming edition (planned for April 2027, provisionally calendar week 15), the festival is set to undergo a strategic reorientation, developed in close collaboration with the Alliance and its partner venues.

A broad coalition of institutions and networks from Hamburg’s independent performing arts sector shares a common vision: a festival that is not created merely for the scene, but together with it and explicitly for the city’s diverse communities. The festival should showcase the artistic diversity and innovative strength of Hamburg’s independent performing arts across disciplines, formats, and aesthetics. It is intended to serve both as a platform for visibility and as a space for exchange, addressing a broad public audience as well as local, national, and international arts professionals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present a festival programme featuring productions from Hamburg’s independent performing arts scene across all disciplines and formats. Programme selection will be conducted through an open call process agreed upon with the Alliance and in collaboration with an independent jury.

• Design a diverse programme of accompanying events and networking opportunities, potentially including an annual thematic focus.

• Proactively build and expand audiences and develop and implement audience engagement and outreach programmes.

• Integrate existing local structures, institutions, and networks in Hamburg and activate public spaces as part of the festival.

• Further develop and strengthen existing festival partnerships and networks.

• Overall project management and coordination.

• Fundraising and acquisition of third-party funding.

• Assemble and lead a festival team in collaboration with the existing production manager.

We are looking for candidates with

• Interest in and knowledge of Hamburg’s independent performing arts scene (and beyond).

• Strong conceptual and creative skills.

• Experience in cultural organization, project planning, and project management.

• Excellent communication and public representation skills.

• Flexibility, negotiation skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.

• The ability to build and motivate a team towards the successful realization of the festival.

• Willingness to engage in dialogue with venue directors and local cultural initiatives.

• Experience in fundraising and managing external funding sources.

We offer

• A leadership position (individual or shared leadership model).

• Significant artistic and financial autonomy.

• A three-year service contract.

• The possibility of extending the collaboration for future festival editions.

Diversity and Accessibility

Diversity is important to us. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people who experience structural disadvantage or discrimination. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed above, we encourage you to apply. You may be exactly the person we are looking for.

Application Process

Please submit a compelling application including:

• A concept outlining how you would address and implement the requirements described above (maximum two A4 pages).

• A CV.

Applications must be submitted exclusively by email as a single PDF document (maximum file size: 2 MB) no later than 15 July 2026 to: vorstand@fringify.hamburg. Alternative, low-barrier application formats (for example, a video application) are also possible. If you would like to apply in an alternative format, please contact: vorstand@fringify.hamburg. For enquiries by phone, please contact the Network Office of DfdK: +49 40 46 00 65 95. They will connect you with the appropriate contact person.

Timeline

Interviews are planned for the end of August 2026. A decision is expected to be made in September 2026. Candidates will be selected by a committee consisting of representatives of the Alliance/Festival Board and members of the Association’s Executive Board.