Alarm mood in Berlin: culture fighters demand rescue from cuts!

Alarm mood in Berlin: culture fighters demand rescue from cuts!

Cultural life in Germany is facing challenges – and not just in the big cities. On June 13, 2025, it will become clear that the Berlin cultural scene in particular is suffering from massive financial cuts. The CDU/SPD government in Berlin is planning to cut the cultural budget by 130 million euros, or over 12%. This decision is causing consternation throughout the cultural landscape, as it leads to drastic program reductions in large institutions and smaller, independent cultural institutions have to fear for their existence. Cultural initiatives that promote diversity and social programs are particularly affected.

The Berlin cultural scene is alarmed and warns of a serious loss of jobs and cultural diversity. Theaters like the Volksbühne and many others are demanding exceptions to the cuts in order to be able to continue operating. Institutions such as the Komische Oper also identify urgently needed financial support for renovation projects. Activists from the scene fear that essential offerings, especially in the area of ​​children's and youth theater, are at risk due to the required cuts.

Cultural and cultural budget in crisis

In connection with the already critical conditions in Berlin, the picture of the cultural situation throughout Germany remains depressing. The Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media plans to increase the budget from 2.15 billion euros in 2024 to 2.2 billion euros in 2025. Nevertheless, massive cuts are planned in other areas, such as support for the independent scene. The funds for the six federal cultural funds are to be reduced by almost half, from 34.3 million euros in 2024 to just 18 million euros. The cancellation of all subsidies for the alliance of international production houses, which form the backbone of the independent performing arts scene, is being viewed particularly critically.

The uncertainty in Berlin's cultural sector is enormous. The institutions report fears about their existence and the threat of cuts that endanger not only the program but also access to culture. The Berlin Children's and Youth Theater Working Group emphasizes that the promotion of culture and education should have the highest priority, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

Eko Fresh and new perspectives in politics

In the midst of this difficult situation, the German rapper Eko Fresh speaks out, speaking on the podium about his future plans. In a dialogue he lets it be known that he could imagine becoming mayor of Kerpen, even if this is initially only meant as a joke. His reflections bring an exciting idea into focus: Why shouldn't more cultural workers go into politics to bring fresh perspectives?

Inspired by examples such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, who started his career in sports before becoming governor of California, Eko Fresh appeals to artists' creativity to immerse themselves in the political debate. He emphasizes the need for more people from the cultural sector to be represented in political office. This view supports contemporary political communication, which is particularly attracting attention from the left, like Caren Lay, with viral songs and creative approaches.

It remains to be seen how politicians will react to the current debate about cultural funding. What is clear is that the need for cultural diversity and inclusion has never been greater in these turbulent times. The call to support creative people and cultural actors is urgent - not only as a response to financial bottlenecks, but also to strengthen social structures in society.

The challenges are written all over the cultural scene - more than ever a unifying approach is needed to preserve diversity and creativity in Germany.

For more information, read detailed reports from taz, tip Berlin and Deutschlandfunk culture.