With this open discussion, we would like to invite our guests to reflect upon three main topics that are pressing for the dance scene at this time. The first theme will include a look back to the public funding during the Covid-19 crisis, questioning the positive and negative effects on the future of the free scene. It is important to think about what can be preserved and how we could prevent a post Covid-19 implosion of funding, after the current one runs out. We invite all for an analysis of the funding system in the free scene. Secondly, we will focus on the recent wage increases in the NV Bühne and make a correlation with the free scene, expanding on the possibilities to create new ways for collective bargaining. The last topic will bring focus to the upcoming challenges for the completion of a substantial NV Bühne reform. Contractual limitations and dancers’ duties will be put into question. Moderator: Friedrich Pohl (board member dancersconnect) Panel members: Lisa Jopt (GDBA), Anika Bendel (board member Dachverband Tanz and dancersconnect), Christian Koch (Bureau Ritter), Amelia Uzategui Bonilla (ID_Frankfurt e.V.), Friederike Hohnholz (unisono - Deutsche Musik- und Orchestervereinigung) and Tarek Assam (BBTK / TANZ HARZ).