Culture connects! New funding strengthens voluntary commitment

Culture connects! New funding strengthens voluntary commitment

The corona pandemic has turned the cultural landscape upside down in recent years. Full-time cultural workers in particular suffered from existential threats. In order to meet this challenge, the funding programs “Curtain on” and “Curtain on 2.0” were launched in the Gießen district, which offer support for cultural workers. But volunteer work has also suffered from the pandemic lkgi.de reported.

District Administrator Anita Schneider, who is also responsible for promoting culture, is now planning a new program called “Culture connects!” to strengthen voluntary involvement in cultural life. Volunteer cultural workers have already been able to express their needs and wishes in various cultural forums since the Corona restrictions have severely limited rehearsals, festivals and events.

Concerns about young people and need for support

A worrying development is the concern for young talent in choirs and music groups, which was also addressed by the cultural forums. There are also reports of a lack of funds for smaller projects. These challenges are exacerbated by the decline in applications for the district's cultural funding award, which is seen as an indication of the changing cultural landscape. The new funding program “Culture Connects!” should offer 20,000 euros in funding annually - 5,000 euros less than before, which is due to the district's tense budget situation.

For the coming funding period, the funds provided are essential to enable clubs and groups to hold free events and thus contribute to local cultural diversity.

The LOKAL program of the Cultural Foundation

Another notable project to strengthen culture and voluntary work in Germany is the “LOKAL – Program for Culture and Engagement”, which aims to build at least 26 long-term networks in smaller towns and communities. The funding amount here ranges up to 240,000 euros per project over a period of four years. Initiated by the Federal Cultural Foundation, this program runs from 2024 to 2031 and primarily aims to promote dialogue and debate in cultural places.

The program is aimed at art and cultural associations, theaters, libraries and socio-cultural centers and relies on new partnerships, for example with sports clubs and schools. This approach also aims to strengthen cultural diversity and networks in small towns and thus improve the quality of life in rural areas.

A look at the promotion of art and culture

In Germany, the promotion of art and culture is essentially a matter for the states and municipalities. Loud deutsches-ehrenamt.de However, the federal government also contributes a part, specifically around 17% of the total expenditure in the area of ​​art and culture. These funds are used for numerous projects ranging from visual arts and music to cultural education and monument protection.

Particularly noteworthy is the variety of offers for creative initiatives: This includes project funding for time-limited activities as well as support for cultural institutions. Foundations, banks and the EU contribute to the financial landscape that is available for creative projects.

In this area of ​​tension between support and challenges, it becomes clear how important the commitment to culture and volunteerism is. The current programs and funding offer a ray of hope to support and further develop cultural life in the region and beyond.