Background on the current media coverage

In recent days, the Rheinische Post has published a report on tanzhaus nrw. However, some of the information in the article does not fully reflect the actual sequence of events or leaves out important details.

It is important to us to present and contextualise the facts transparently. Therefore, we are providing the key points here for context:

  • Jurisdiction and scope of the audit: The audit of state grants is not conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Science, but by the Düsseldorf District Government. In this respect, the Rheinische Post’s inquiry to the MKW NRW was misplaced.
  • Subject of the audit: The audit covered the years 2021 and 2022. The year 2020 was not part of the review in May 2025.

  • Progress of the audit: Several attempts were made to provide a clear account of the required expenditure reports for 2021 and 2022, but without success. In June 2024, the district government therefore imposed additional requirements and requested a detailed breakdown of all individual revenues and expenditures, so-called supporting document lists for 2021 and 2022 (deadline: August 15, 2024). The required proof of expenditure could not initially be provided, partly due to software issues, which is why the accounting system was completely overhauled between June and December 2025.

  • Notice of Recovery: Consequently, in a letter dated May 2, 2025, the district government announced a full recovery of the 2021 state funds (plus late payment interest) and set a deadline for a response by June 30, 2025.

  • Next Steps: In June 2025, the new management of the district government outlined how tanzhaus nrw could meet the requirements. Consequently, the deadline was extended to December 30, 2025. On December 23, 2025, the requested lists of supporting documents were submitted.

  • Current status: Based on the current status of the review, there is no repayment obligation due to the submission of the supporting documentation for 2021. A repayment is currently expected for 2022.

  • Other issues: The review by the City of Düsseldorf for 2021 and 2022 is still pending.

As of March 24, 2026