Cultural backpack Mönchengladbach: Creative opportunities for kids 2025!

Cultural backpack Mönchengladbach: Creative opportunities for kids 2025!

In Mönchengladbach, 2025 will be all about creativity. The extensive cultural backpack program, which has been supported by the state for twelve years, allows children and young people aged 10 to 14 to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of cultural education. From pottery to dance to creating your own video games, the project ideas seem endless.

With over 70,000 euros annually, the state not only supports proven formats, but also encourages new, innovative approaches. The Stadtsparkasse also contributes to the financial implementation of these creative projects, which are free of charge for the young participants. Birte Wehmeier, deputy head of the cultural office, has a clear focus on diversity: “We want to invite tried and tested actors to promote participation and also offer new partners a platform,” she says.

Variety of offers

The registration options are wide-ranging. Irina Pauli, the coordinator for the cultural backpack, emphasizes the relevance of individual ideas: “Whether you are an institution or an artist, we are happy to receive creative concepts.” The programs as part of the cultural backpack are not only an opportunity for the children to develop their talents in different disciplines, but also enable the artists and institutions to actively present themselves in the city.

Anyone who is newly interested in applying for funding should definitely inform themselves in good time on the cultural office's website, where the funding conditions can be found in addition to the application form. Advice from the cultural office is recommended to make the application process easier. The application window for new projects runs until October 31, 2024.

The city of Mönchengladbach is proud to not only promote creativity with projects like the cultural backpack, but also to intensify intercultural exchange among the participants. Every year we show again how diverse cultural education can be and what importance it has for the development of young people. An example of successful projects are the graffiti workshops that take place under the direction of Cole Blaq. These workshops are just one of many offerings that were very well received last season.

The culture backpack initiative also highlights the importance of creative expression for children and young people and offers them a valuable platform to discover their own interests and talents. The initiative creates a supportive environment in which young people's potential can develop.

For further information or inquiries, the cultural office is available at the email address kulturrucksack@moenchengladbach.de. An exciting year is in prospect, which will be filled with creative impulses and many new ideas. More information can also be found online at www.stadt.mg/kulturrucksack.