Alarm mood in Berlin: Cultural fighter demand rescue before cuts!

Alarm mood in Berlin: Cultural fighter demand rescue before cuts!

Cultural life in Germany faces challenges - and not only in the big cities. On June 13, 2025, it becomes clear that the Berlin cultural scene in particular suffers from massive financial cuts. The CDU/SPD government in Berlin plans to shorten the cultural budget by 130 million euros, i.e. over 12%. This decision ensures dismay in the entire cultural landscape, as it leads to drastic program reductions in large institutions and have to worry about their existence. Cultural initiatives that work for diversity and social programs are particularly affected.

The Berlin cultural scene is alerted and warns of a serious loss of jobs and cultural diversity. Theater such as the Volksbühne and many other require exceptions from the cuts in order to be able to maintain the game. Institutions such as the comic opera also name urgently needed financial support for renovation projects. Activists from the scene fear that essential offers, especially in the area of ​​children's and youth theater, are at risk from the required cuts.

cultural and cultural budget in the crisis

In connection with the already critical conditions in Berlin, the image of the cultural Situation remains depressing in all of Germany. The Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media plans to increase the budget of EUR 2.15 billion in 2024 to EUR 2.2 billion in 2025. Nevertheless, massive cuts in other areas, such as support for the free scene, are planned. The funds for the six Federal Cultural Fund are to be reduced by almost half, from 34.3 million euros in 2024 to only 18 million euros. The deletion of all grants for the alliance of international production houses that form the backbone of the free -depicting art scene is particularly critically observed

The uncertainty in the Berlin cultural industry is enormous. The institutions report fears of existence and impending incisions that endanger not only the program, but also access to culture. The working group of Berlin Children's and Youth Theater emphasizes that the promotion of culture and education should be a top priority, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

Eko Fresh and new perspectives in politics

In the middle of this difficult situation, the German rapper Eko Fresh, who speaks about his plans for the future at the podium, manifests itself. In a dialogue, he shows that he could imagine becoming mayor of Kerpen, even if this is initially only meant in joke. His considerations focus on an exciting idea: Why should no longer go to politics to bring fresh perspectives?

inspired by examples like Arnold Schwarzenegger, who started his career in sports before he became governor of California, EKO Fresh appeals to the creativity of the artists to immerse themselves in the political debate. He emphasizes the need that more people from the cultural industry are represented in political offices. This view supports contemporary political communication, which is particularly noted by the left, such as Caren Lay, with viral songs and creative approaches.

How politics reacts to the current debate about cultural funding remains to be seen. It is clear that the need for cultural diversity and inclusion in these eventful times was never greater. The call to support the creative and cultural actors is urgent - not only as an answer to financial bottlenecks, but also for strengthening social structures in society.

The challenges are written on the face of the cultural scene - more than ever, it takes a connecting approach to preserve diversity and creativity in Germany.

For more information, read the detailed reports from taz , Tip Berlin and Culture .