Consulting Services

Funding consultation

Application support for pop culture stakeholders

You want to make your own project happen, but you’re short on time and money? You have ideas that are just waiting to be put into action—a concert, a tour, or a production with your band? Or are you an event organizer looking to launch a new concert series in your city? There are many cultural offices and institutions that can fund your project. We’ve already compiled these for you in our handbook Funding opportunities for pop music in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Showcase NRW also offers a funding finder to help you find suitable funding opportunities.

But after the idea comes the next step—submitting the application. From now on, we offer one-to-one consultations to support you with the application process. Whether you need a bit of help getting started with your first application, or you’re planning a more extensive application and want to professionalize in the long term. In individual consultation sessions, we address your questions and share tips on what it takes for a successful application. From finding the right funding body, to budgeting and application copy, to time management and concept development—we want to support you so you can make your projects happen.

• The consultations take place online. We plan around one hour per session.
• Would you like to take part in a consultation?
  Then email Katharina with your preferred date at mail@popboard.nrw

To help you structure your application content and goals, we’ve put together a document with questions here: Preparation for application consultation
The questionnaire also serves as a prompt for your preparation for the consultation.

Who will be advising you?
Julian Rybarski (he/they) makes music, runs a label, and leads the MädchenMusikAkademie NRW. After studying (music/theatre/cultural policy/philosophy), they have had many roles on and behind the stage, in music production and education—from the Ruhrtriennale and off-festivals to professional development programs for self-employment in the creative industries. Developing, applying for, and presenting projects has always been an essential part of the work from the very beginning.

You can also find more helpful information on funding at: foerdermittel-wissenswert.de

Julian Rybarski (he/they)

Advisor

Julian Rybarski

Julian Rybarski makes music, runs a label, and leads the MädchenMusikAkademie NRW. After studying (music/theatre/cultural policy/philosophy), there have been many roles on and behind the stage, in music production and education—from the Ruhrtriennale and off-festivals to professional development programs for self-employment in the creative industries. Developing, applying for, and presenting projects has always been an essential part of it from the very beginning.

Overview of funding deadlines (NATIONWIDE)

Overview of funding deadlines (NRW)

Deadlines of NRW municipalities

Pop—inclusive and accessible

Since May 2024, in cooperation with the Barrierefrei Feiern initiative, we have been offering a consultation service titled “Pop – inclusive & accessible”. As pop culture stakeholders from NRW, you can get advice here on accessible event planning and inclusive cultural work.

There will also be new dates in 2026.

In the office hours, you can bring your own topics and questions.

Do you want to make your events more inclusive and accessible, but don’t know where or how to start? Are you already working on making your events, concerts, etc. accessible, but you’re stuck at a certain point? Would you like to discuss your plans and the implementation of accessibility measures with experts again? Then sign up for a free, individual consultation appointment. The experts from the Barrierefrei Feiern initiative will advise you individually—no matter how far along you are or what prior knowledge you bring.

The consultation appointments take place online, last 90 minutes, and are scheduled by individual arrangement. If you’re interested, please contact Katharina at mail@popboard.nrw.

Accessibility

When registering, please let us know whether you have any accessibility requirements for participating in a consultation.

The Barrierefrei Feiern initiative is a nationwide collective of disabled people and their allies advocating for accessible cultural offerings. Through the associated consulting agency WIR KÜMMERN UNS, experts by lived experience are connected with organizers, festivals, cultural institutions, municipalities, collectives, associations, and federations to advise and support them in developing inclusive cultural strategies. More info at: barrierefrei-feiern.de/team/

Interview series: Pop culture—inclusive and accessible

In the interview series “Pop Culture – Inclusive & Accessible”, we talk with pop culture stakeholders about their experiences with accessibility at cultural events. The three interviews reflect the perspectives of a musician, an organizer, and a visitor to cultural events, and include various helpful tips on how you can make your events accessible.

Pop Support NRW – advice and exchange for doers

You’re involved in pop music and pop culture, but you’re not getting anywhere?
Are you missing the right contacts in the authorities or the city administration?
Are you planning an event and want to keep track of everything important? Can’t find a venue for your event?
Are you worried the costs will get out of hand?
Do taxes and legal forms make you feel sick?

Do you want to professionalize your initiative or take your association to the next level? Or do you simply need someone to talk things through with—how realistic your ideas really are?

PopBoard NRW offers you straightforward advice to support you with your projects. We help you with everything from event planning to setting up an association and connect you with the right people.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take the next step toward professionalization: you’ll get support tailored to your needs here. Let’s move your ideas forward together.

Would you like to take part in a consultation?
Then email Katharina at mail@popboard.nrw

In your email, please briefly describe:

• who you are and what you do or are planning, as well as
• if possible, the topic or specific questions you’re bringing to the consultation

We’ll then discuss with Britta and Elvin who will take on the consultation and coordinate a date that works well for you. The sessions usually take place online via Zoom.

Accessibility: When registering, please let us know whether you have any accessibility requirements for participating in a consultation.

Meet the advisory team

Britta Maas (she/her) Advisor

Britta Maas

Britta Maas has been working for many years in the conception, organi-
zation and implementation of (cultural) events.

Among other things, she is co-founder and chair of the
Musikbüro Bochum. Through her many years of association and
creative work, Britta Maas knows quite a few hurdles—and even more solutions—when it comes to making projects,
events, and diverse cultural formats happen.

Elvin Ruić (he/him) Advisor

Elvin Ruić

For years, Elvin Ruić has supported people in bringing their projects to life. His own path took him from organizing unregistered outdoor events in a loose initiative, to founding his own cultural management company,
to working in the world of high culture with orchestras and
lots of pomp and circumstance. He knows the journey from enthusiasm and
commitment all the way to full professionalization, and
is happy to support people who want to make a difference with passion.