Denmark and Germany

Workshop 1: Wednesday, 13 May 2026, 3 pm

Country Presentations: Denmark & Germany

Discussion: The Independent Scene – Self-Organised Structures and International Exchange

The workshop opens with presentations on the contemporary music landscapes of Germany and Denmark, followed by a discussion on "The Independent Scene – Self-Organised Structures and International Exchange."

Germany and Denmark are both characterised by a vibrant independent contemporary scene. The "Freie Szene" encompasses a wide range of artist-run and non-institutional initiatives, from independent ensembles, festivals and project spaces to nationwide networks and production alliances that operate outside major institutional frameworks. These self-determined structures foster creative experimentation and egalitarian working methods, but also face systemic challenges such as precarious funding, rising costs, and limited long-term security. The workshop aims to unpack how these self-organised models function, what structural and funding issues they navigate, and how practitioners can effectively engage in international exchange.

Hosted by: Art Music Denmark, inm/field notes and Podium Gegenwart des Deutschen Musikrats

Experts/Special Guests: Lena Krause (FREO e.V.), Regin Petersen (Art Music Denmark), Eva Zöllner (Podium Gegenwart)

Moderator: Les Vynogradov

Registration: https://app.hi.events/event/6362/contemporary-music-exchange-in-europe-denmark-germany