“This is a step in the right direction and the beginning of solid club sponsorship. We can now build on this and develop sustainable funding structure in the medium term," said Anna Lafrentz, Chair of Clubkombinat Hamburg. Smaller music clubs in particular will benefit from the additional support. An additional EUR 500,000 has been earmarked for 2025 and another EUR 800,000 for 2026, meaning that annual funding for music clubs will exceed the EUR 1 million mark for the first time. "This sends a very important signal to other states and municipalities. Unlike Berlin or Munich, for instance, the state of Hamburg continues to invest in a diverse live culture and on-stage events in music venues," said Lafrentz.
Club funding to nearly triple in 2025/2026 budget
The Hamburg Parliament has almost tripled funding for clubs across Hamburg in the 2025/2026 budget. The Ministry of Culture and Media’s "Live Concert Account” will increase from EUR 350,000 per annum by EUR 1.3 million over the next two years.
More funding for smaller music clubs
Financial support to become more accessible
Funding will be based on the size of a club and the number of concerts it has held in the previous year. The plans also foresee simplified application procedure. Applicants who received funding in 2024 and whose premises have not changed will no longer have to provide additional evidence of size. Detailed lists of supporting documents for proof of use will be relaxed. However, the authorities will retain the right to inspect supporting documents in the event of an audit and statutory retention requirements will apply. The next round of funding for the Live Concert Account will be announced next spring via the Club Foundation Hamburg.
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