Honor Matrix Calculator

Calculate fair artist fees based on the German honor matrix (base fees with levels, as of December 23, 2025).

Discipline --- Select a discipline ---

Activity --- Select a discipline first ---

Criteria --- Select an activity first ---

Number of Artists For groups, the fee per artist is automatically calculated (1/3 for 3-9 artists, 1/6 for 10+ artists).

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About This Honor Matrix

The Honor Matrix is a recommended fee catalog from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in Germany for fair artist compensation. It is based on professional guidelines and takes into account various factors such as:

• Discipline: Different artistic fields (literature, visual arts, music, performing arts, etc.)
• Activity: Specific artistic services (readings, exhibitions, concerts, performances, etc.)
• Variable Criteria: Multipliers based on event size and financial strength of the organizer
• Group Size: Discounts for groups with multiple artists

Important Notes

• Minimum Fees: The stated amounts are minimum fees, not upper limits. Higher fees are always possible.
• Additional Costs: Travel costs and other expense items are negotiated separately and are not included in this calculation.
• Variable Criteria: NRW recommends applying variable criteria. The final decision rests with the organizers.
• Duration: Fees are based on typical event durations (approx. 90 minutes for readings, full evening for concerts, etc.).

Source

Annex to Item 2.2, "Matrix Base Fees with Levels"
Status: December 23, 2025

Responsible: Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MKW)

Official Resources:

• MKW - Artist Fees and Honorar Guidelines
• PDF: Honor Matrix December 2025 (555 KB)