Foto: Isabelle la Poutré

Summer Programme

The events in the Summer Programme turn the city into a stage and offer a wide range of cultural experiences for everyone.

In 2026, the NRW KULTURsekretariat will, for the first time, offer funding to its member municipalities and their local institutions as part of the ‘Summer Programme’. The programme is run in cooperation with the Kultursekretariat NRW Gütersloh, which developed and firmly established this funding scheme more than 30 years ago. The members of the working group selected the ensembles presented here for the 2026 catalogue.

The current productions thus represent a broad spectrum and aesthetic diversity within the genre. The funding catalogue reflects this: classical street theatre features here alongside technically spectacular productions. The boundaries between Cirque Nouveau, dance and situational comedy often blur. The audience is offered exciting experiences, new encounters on both a small and large scale, as well as opportunities to get involved. In the process, the city becomes a stage and public spaces are brought to life.

Productions 2026

Beyond (Circumstances)

El Gran Finale (Buccraá Circus)

Full House (Eléctrico 28)

Holmes & Watson - Wer hat Angst vor'm schwarzen Hund? (NN Theater Köln)

Hugs and Handshakes (There There Company)

Künstler:innen der Compagnie Blickkisten

Misirlou (Omnivolant)

Now Departing (A Movement of Humans)

Salto Robotale (UliK Robotic Circus)

Trouble (Moÿ Moÿ Collective)

Unnecessary Violance (Compagnie Hëin)

Vent D'Ouest (Les P'tis Bras)

Information on funding

Applications can be submitted from 1 April 2026

What is funded under the programme?

Performances of productions from the current funding catalogue ‘Summer Programme’

The full catalogue, including fees, ancillary costs and basic technical requirements, is available in the downloads section of the funding portal.

Who can apply?

Municipal institutions from the member cities of the NRWKS

Is there an application deadline?

Applications may be submitted between 1 April and 31 May 2026, subject to funding availability

Applications must be submitted six weeks before the planned start of the project

What is the amount of funding?

Funding for performances of up to 50% of the fee (excluding ancillary costs such as travel and KSK - social security contributions)

The amount of funding available can be found in the download section of the funding portal.

One application per applicant is permitted. This may also include multiple performances by different ensembles.

What funding conditions must be met?

Content related to the ‘Summer Programme’ funding programme

Location in one of the member cities of the NRWKS

Public accessibility

No project start (i.e. public relations work, conclusion of contracts, awarding of contracts, payments) before submitting an application on the NRWKS funding portal

No funding for parties or organisations with a profit motive

Organisers arrange performance dates, technical matters, public relations and so on, as well as the conclusion of contracts, directly with the ensembles.

How do I apply for funding?

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the NRWKS funding portal.

Please note whether additional documents, such as letters of recommendation or letters of approval from other funding bodies, need to be uploaded to the funding portal for the application.

Click here for further information on the funding procedure.

Organisers from the member cities of the Kultursekretariat NRW Gütersloh should contact them directly for funding requests.