BDKV reacts to cultural budget cuts in Germany

The Association of the Concert and Event Industry in Germany (BDKV) and German Music Council (DMR) are voicing strong opposition to planned cultural budget cuts, calling the measures "incomprehensible" and harmful to the sector’s economic and societal impact. BDKV Managing Director Johannes Everke (pictured) emphasized the "democracy-promoting importance" of culture, arguing that the cuts ignore both social and economic benefits. "We must be seriously concerned when drastic cuts are made despite the committed opposition of the cultural scene and, above all, both the social and the economic core argument are apparently ignored. After all, it is undisputed that culture has a fundamental social and democracy-promoting significance." The German Music Council echoed the concerns, describing the cuts as "fatal signals nationwide." Early music and independent cultural projects are among the hardest hit, with Berlin’s Komische Oper and Cologne’s music sector facing significant reductions. DMR General Secretary Antje Valentin criticized the abruptness of the cuts and urged strategic planning and alternative funding methods. She called on lawmakers to reject the proposed budget and adopt phased, collaborative savings strategies. The Berlin Senate passed the supplementary budget on November 26 under the slogan #BerlinIsCulture, despite widespread protests. The final decision will be made in the Berlin House of Representatives by December 19, 2024.