#Kul­tur­Si­chern & Haltung zeigen: Fes­ti­vals als de­mo­kra­ti­sche In­fra­struk­tur

Clubs, festivals, and socio-cultural centers serve as vital spaces for community, participation, and democracy – yet they are coming under increasing pressure. Budget cuts, polarization, a shift to the far-right, and a lack of structural support pose massive challenges, particularly for cultural organizers in East Germany and rural areas.

This panel explores how arts and civil society can maintain their agency together: What kind of alliances do we need between cultural venues, grassroots initiatives, public administrations, and local politics? How can scenes organize in solidarity to safeguard culture for the long term? And what strategies are already emerging to bridge the gap between metropolitan areas and rural regions?

The session will focus on real-world examples, political perspectives, and new coalitions aimed at building resilient cultural infrastructures.