Artists, Shows & Entertainment

Music organisations from Europe and beyond are joining forces to explore how revenue from ticket sales can be reinvested in the venues where artists’ careers begin.

German pop icon Nena is thrilling audiences on her 2026 tour with an energetic live show lasting over two hours. Robe’s latest lighting technology was deployed at the open-air concert held on 17 July 2026 in the historic setting of Prugg Castle in Bruck an der Leitha.

Interactive formats and social activities are becoming increasingly important at corporate events. A recent international survey of event professionals highlights that participants’ expectations are changing. teamgeist’s Xmas Escape Game, ‘The Gift of Christmas’, taps into this trend. The case study from 7NXT-Health GmbH illustrates how a joint kick-off session can encourage different teams to engage with one another.

Joint statement by FREO, DEUTSCHE JAZZUNION, UNISONO and PRO MUSIK on the Bundesrat initiative from North Rhine-Westphalia to provide security for self-employed musicians

Berlin, 18 September 2026 | Anyone who plans for the long term and bears responsibility for staff, organisational structures and artistic projects must also be able to make financial provisions. For subsidised independent ensembles and orchestras, this has so far only been possible to a limited extent. FREO – Freie Ensembles und Orchester in Deutschland e.V. is therefore calling for a reform of the funding regulations governing the creation of reserves.

Berlin, 9 September 2026 | Following three years of negotiations, PRO MUSIK and the Association of Independent Music Entrepreneurs (VUT) have agreed, for the first time, on joint remuneration rules for professional musicians and independent music companies in the field of music streaming. FREO welcomes the agreement as an important step towards more transparent and reliable remuneration standards in the independent music industry.

With “Spotlight On: Festival Culture”, the Reeperbahn Festival 2026 will, for the first time, feature a dedicated meeting place for the festival industry. On 17 and 18 September, at Knust in Hamburg and on Lattenplatz, the focus will be on expert panels, networking, supporting emerging talent and the revamped Helga! Festival Award. Many of the events can be attended with a free ticket, even without a standard festival pass.

86 hours of non-stop improvisational theatre: the Hamburg-based ensemble Steife Brise, together with guests from across Germany, has set a new world record. More than 1,000 people watched the record attempt in person, whilst a further 8,500 followed it via livestream. Not even a fire alarm could stop the improvisers.

The government’s draft of the Annual Tax Act 2026 provides for an increase in the tax-free threshold for performances by foreign artists, DJs and speakers.

LiveKomm is calling for a ‘Live Summit’ to be convened to discuss fair conditions for pop and live music culture

The German Pension Insurance Scheme is stepping up its checks on artists’ social security contributions and is focusing more closely on companies and event organisers.

Joint statement by FREO, the German Jazz Union and PRO MUSIK on the government’s draft federal budget for 2027

Berlin, 25 June 2026 – FREO – Independent Ensembles and Orchestras in Germany is launching a digital information portal for politicians, public authorities, the press and the independent music scene, featuring a newly structured website. At the familiar web address www.freo-netzwerk.de, FREO has reorganised its positions, demands, projects and resources relating to the working realities of independent ensembles and orchestras.

facts and fiction won the Grand Prix in the “Spatial Experience” category with “Wa! Germany!” – the ADC’s highest honour. Ten points for Germany and Austria, coming second in the overall rankings. The pavilion brought the circular economy to life in a spatial and interactive way.

From 17–19 July, the “City of Dreams” returns to Weeze Airport. 225,000 visitors, 300 acts across 13 stages, with headliners including Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, The Chainsmokers and Scooter. 5 days of camping, a pre-party, and newly structured campsite categories.

For over four decades, the awards have supported thousands of musicians – across 120 categories ranging from rock to production. Over 15,000 entrants, 12,000 press reports and a unique archive document the evolution of popular music. Entries for 2026 are now open.

Submissions are now open until 31 August 2026. New: the "Best Creator Event" category for influencer formats; ARCHITECTURE is renamed SPATIAL COMMUNICATION. Proof of sustainability is now mandatory in the EVENT category. The awards ceremony will take place in January 2027 in Dortmund.

Greater safety, more hassle: new guidelines for temporary structures could make it more difficult to erect temporary structures in future.

The reform of GEMA’s cultural funding is causing a stir in the industry and could also have an impact on performers’ fees and event budgets in the future.

The "City of Dreams" returns to Weeze from 17-19 July. 300 acts, including Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, The Chainsmokers and DJ Ötzi. New: exclusive Face2Face specials in the Cloud Factory - seven DJ duels live on Saturday. Get your tickets now!

Following its successful premiere in 2025, the BDKV's industry award is entering the next round. From 1 July, BDKV members can submit their outstanding projects - from classical music and festivals to comedy and sustainability. A new addition is the "Architect" category, which honours the work of artist mediators for the first time. The award ceremony will take place on 24 November 2026 in Berlin.