Connecting the live music industry
Germany’s Initiative Musik has announced the third edition of its Live 500 funding programme, offering almost €1 million in grants to support small and medium-sized venues and regional event organisers.
Applications will be accepted from 15–29 September 2025. Grants of €500 per event are available for up to 20 concerts or club nights, with audience limits of 250 for live shows and 500 for predominantly DJ-led events. The maximum funding per applicant is €10,000.
The scheme aims to distribute support evenly between urban and rural regions, with a 50% diversity quota. Organisers who benefited from the first two editions will not be eligible, a restriction introduced due to high demand.
Three online information sessions will be held on 20 August, 2 September, and 10 September to guide applicants through the process.
Launched in 2023 with a budget of €2.7 million, Live 500 allocated just under €900,000 in its second round. The programme is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
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