What connects us

The role of culture is enshrined in Article 140 of the Bavarian state constitution: “Bavaria is a cultural state. Art and science, research and teaching are free. The state protects and promotes cultural diversity.” However, even in the state capital of Munich, the appropriate appreciation and funding of culture is in danger.
Although a large majority of the population is in favor of state funding, the value of culture is increasingly controversial and is repeatedly questioned by representatives from politics and the media. At the same time, right-wing populist forces are trying to narrow the concept of culture.
In November 2024, a broad alliance of Munich artists and cultural institutions formed for the first time with #MünchenistKultur.
On May 10, 2025, we would like to discuss the role of culture in society as a whole and the extent to which cultural offerings are important for democratic coexistence with prominent guests.

Using Munich as an example, we are looking for constructive answers: What can a cultural policy that makes sense in the long term look like in times of tight budgets? How can the dialog between artists and cultural institutions, politics and administration succeed? How can resources be better utilized? What transformations are needed? Where does the money for a task for society as a whole come from? How can cultural offerings for a diverse urban society be guaranteed in the future?