Theaterpreis des Bundes 2026
On April 17, 2026, HELLERAU – European Centre of the Arts will receive the Federal Theatre Prize (Germany).
As the Saxon Association of Independent Theatres (Landesverband der Freien Theater in Sachsen e.V.), we warmly congratulate our long-standing member HELLERAU on this award, which is presented by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media. The decision of the independent jury underscores the outstanding work of the entire team at HELLERAU – European Centre of the Arts.
As a venue for presentation and production in the independent performing arts, HELLERAU is a flagship institution of international significance. It serves as a space for negotiating and exploring a wide range of artistic - and thus also societal - perspectives and practices. Under the artistic direction of Carena Schlewitt, the institution has further consolidated its role as one of the most important partners of the independent scene in Saxony.
Despite its immense importance, HELLERAU - like other institutions in the independent performing arts, as well as the artists working within them - has repeatedly come under political pressure. As the Saxon Association of Independent Theatres (Landesverband der Freien Theater in Sachsen e.V.), we therefore appeal to decision-makers in politics and public administration at the federal, state, and municipal levels:
Protect and strengthen funding and award decisions made by independent juries - and with them the institutions of the independent performing arts, the artists who present and produce work there, and thus artistic freedom in Germany.
Especially in challenging times, places like HELLERAU – European Centre of the Arts - and the people who bring them to life - are essential.
