Fes­ti­val Sai­son 2026/2027

Culturally and politically, festivals have been hit hard: funding for the Festival Fund is set to be cut from four to two million euros in the upcoming federal budget. And this at a time when festivals are facing a wide range of challenges.

While those with political influence and responsibility are increasing funding for Bayreuth from four to five million euros, the question arises as to how festivals can – and perhaps must – reposition themselves within political discourse and decision-making. After all, attendance figures for popular music festivals are significantly higher than those of the Bayreuth Festival.

This session opens a debate about mobilising democratic majorities in support of festivals that are just as dependent on public funding as those belonging to the so-called high culture.

Funded by: Initiative Musik gGmbH with project funding from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM)