What characterises the independent performing arts field? How many productions and which genres do the artists work with? What are the production structures like, and what does the field request increased efforts for?
These questions are now answered in the final report ‘Mapping the independent field of the performing arts’ (in Danish) which UP has produced based on an extensive survey in January 2025, in which almost 300 professional companies and self-producing performing artists participated.
The new report has been prepared in collaboration with Danish Theatre, the Danish Institute for Cultural Analysis and with professional sparring from BARC Scandinavia.
The survey documents current practice in the independent professional performing arts field and the conditions under which it operates. Through extensive data collection, the report maps a field with strong potential, but also significant challenges - challenges that largely stem from a lack of funding and structural support.
The independent field is broad in activities and artistic work
The survey shows a large field with a wide range of activities. Production and touring are the field's primary focus, but artistic research and development work are also prominent.
Strong international orientation, but lack of structure
The independent field has a strong international orientation, and many players have experience of internationalisation through education, co-productions and touring. At the same time, there is a lack of structures that can support international sales work.
Good basis for touring in Denmark, but untapped potential
The survey reveals a field with great mobility and geographically broad distribution of performing arts throughout Denmark. However, there is potential to further develop the field's touring activities by, among other things, creating better contact with networks of buyers and creating stable financial models.
Widespread co-production, but potential for strengthening
The survey shows a field of actors that collaborate widely with institutional theatres, cultural centres, museums, churches and actors outside the cultural sector. At the same time, the responses indicate that the structures for co-production agreements can be strengthened.
Strong desire for business development
There is a strong desire for business development among the respondents. They use a wide range of business models, ranging from long-term strategies focused on professionalisation to cross-sector partnerships or more project-based work. Many have strategic ambitions, but a lack of administrative support, producer fulfilment and business strategy skills make it challenging for many to build sustainable structures and financial stability.
Need for targeted investments
The great flexibility of the field does not solve the structural challenges that exist. If Denmark is to have a strong professional independent performing arts field, this mapping shows that there is a need for targeted investments that further support the field's touring opportunities both nationally and internationally, and that strengthen sustainable artistic work by ensuring resources for administration, production and business development.
The report is a tool for further dialogue
We hope that this mapping can be a valuable tool in the ongoing conversation about how we can best support the professional independent performing arts field and its importance in a larger artistic and societal perspective.
Thank you to everyone across the entire performing arts industry who shared the survey and contributed responses.
Happy reading!