Saxony's culture in danger: austerity measures threaten theater and music!

Saxony's culture in danger: austerity measures threaten theater and music!

in Saxony there is an alarm mood! The cultural landscape, from theaters to museums to music schools, is on the abyss. Planned austerity measures and an uncertain budget Situation bring the cultural actors into a desperate location. "We are currently in a very uncertain fairway. Of course, there are many worries that are driving us," warns Anne-Cathrin Lessel, managing director of the Leipziger "Lofft", a center for contemporary dance and performance art. The impending cuts could not only have devastating effects on the state, but also at local and federal level.

The free cultural scene is particularly affected. "We don't exactly come from lush conditions," adds Lessel, calling for a clear commitment to politics to promote culture. Gisbert Porstmann, head of the Dresden museums, also confirms the tense situation: "As far as the budget situation is concerned, there is of course a great uncertainty everywhere." The museums, both large and small, have had to accept drastic cuts in recent years.

dramatic situation for the music scene

The music scene faces a dramatic threat. Milko Kersten from the Saxon Music Council warns: "It looks really dramatic for the music scene at the moment." The amateur music associations are faced with bankruptcy if the funding should be reduced. This could not only endanger cultural diversity, but also the social cohesion, because together music combines people from different layers.

The narrative that there is no money for culture is vehemently rejected by the actors. "We have very good tax revenue. Now it is about discussing priorities fairly and transparently," Kersten demands. Lutz Hillmann, director of the German-Sorbian folk theater in Bautzen, sees reform needs in the cultural area law and demands an increase in the means to ensure the existence of theater.

existence fear in the theater landscape

The existence fear in the Saxon theater landscape is tangible. Hillmann reports on the acute threat to theater in cities such as Zwickau, Freiberg and Chemnitz. "The concern so as not to say panic, around what will be next year," is omnipresent. The uncertainty is reinforced by the government formation that has not yet been completed. After failed explorations, a minority government from the CDU and SPD is emerging, but Hillmann remains optimistic: "From good sources I know that the coalition talks in art and culture have been on an incredibly good way."

Despite the challenges, the cultural workers emphasize the strong cohesion within Saxon culture. "It is important that you cannot be played off against each other," says Lessel and hopes for perseverance and courage in the scene.