»My first master’s semester and the associated funding by the Claussen-Simon-Foundation have been special for many reasons. The funding and support enhanced my feeling of self-efficacy for my personal, academic, and professional path. I perceive the great workshops together with inspiring encounters and conversations with people tied to the foundation as very rewarding!«

Zami Khalil, Student of Clinical Psychology and Psycho Therapy

»The Claussen-Simon-Stiftung didn’t just equip me to take on this job financially but also practically, thanks to the stART.up program of seminars and mentorship. How does one apply for project funding? How does one negotiate with location managers, with musicians and service providers? What are the legal implications when it comes to copyright and insurance? And perhaps more fundamentally, how does one marry a creative vision with a marketable product and maintain an authentic artistic identity? All of these questions were directly addressed during my time in the stART.up program, arming me with a battery of hard skills for a realistic future as a freelance artist. At the same time, I have emerged from stART.up and Konzertreihe TABU with what can be called ‘soft’ skills. A clear sense of identity as an artist, belief in my own artistic and business-related abilities and the confidence that what I have to say as an artist is a valid contribution to my community. It is impossible to undervalue the investment that the Claussen-Simon-Stiftung has made in my development and I am deeply grateful for this priceless and formative experience.«

Trevor Pichanick
Singer, Alumnus stART.up