Reeperbahn Keeps State Funding

The “national significance” of Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival means it will once again receive euro 200,000 ($260,000) in state funding.

German culture minister Bernd Neumann’s decision may have also been based on its international importance. Last year Hamburg’s showcase festival attracted 1,900 delegates from more than 30 countries.

“For us the important thing is that we’re seen to be of national importance, rather than just local importance,” said Detlef Schwarte from Reeperbahn organiser Inferno Events.

He said the funding has to be applied for annually and there’s always a possibility that other cultural projects may have a stronger claim.

For the first four years the festival/conference was supported by the city of Hamburg and Hamburg Marketing, which both continue to help with funding.