Streit & Zuversicht

Wars, economic decline, social tensions — political crises dominate public debate. With budgets tight, cultural funding is also coming under pressure: Can a society continue to invest in art and culture in uncertain times? Yes, especially now, say advocates—because democracy needs free spaces for experimentation, criticism, and social debate, as found in art and culture. Others argue that state funds should first and foremost ensure security, economic stability, and social stability — culture is important, but dispensable in an emergency. How much cultural funding can and should our society afford after the “Zeitenwende”?