Purpose/Activities

In January 2002 the German federal government established the Federal Cultural Foundation (Kulturstiftung des Bundes) as a new instrument to support cultural projects of national and international significance.

With an annual budget of € 35 Mio. allocated by the Federal Minister of Cultural Affairs, the Foundation supports projects in all artistic areas and initiates programmes to explore cultural issues that impact the development of our society.

Programmes run by the Federal Cultural Foundation examine and present the cultural dimensions of societal trends, as for example, the challenges caused by shrinking cities, the transformation of working society, the cultural aspects of German unification and the dynamic interaction between economy and culture. The programme "Über Lebenskunst - Initiative for Culture and Sustainability" focuses on the economic and social restructuring needed to achieve a sustainable way of life and examines the potential role that culture can play in this process.

Theatre partnerships between German and foreign theatres represent a strong focus in the area of international cultural relations. The foundation regards its primary task as strengthening the voice of culture in the public sphere and providing support to neglected cultural fields. Currently the Foundation is funding special programmes that suppport contemporary dance, New Music and the project "An Instrument for Every Child", developed for the European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010.

In addition, the Federal Cultural Foundation supports outstanding cultural institutions and festivals with funding that allows them to plan their activities for several years in advance. These major, internationally renowned events include the world art show "documenta" in Kassel every five years, the Berlin Theatertreffen and the Donaueschinger Music Days.

Cultural producers in all artistic fields can apply for project funding from the "General Project Funding" department as long as their projects are embedded in an international context and spark new artistic impulses. All areas and fields of cultural production are eligible for funding, including the fine arts, performing arts, literature, music, film, photography, architecture and New Media. Funding cannot be awarded, however, to projects already underway or coordinated by private individuals.

For further information please consult the Federal Cultural Foundation's website:

www.kulturstiftung-des-bundes.de/cms/en/