Wegner wants to preserve “world-class cultural metropolis”

Kai Wegner calls for a “Cultural Strategy 2035” (archive image)

Despite tight budgets and budget cuts worth millions, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner wants the capital to continue to offer high-quality cultural events in the future. “Berlin is and will remain a world-class cultural metropolis,” he declared after a meeting with industry representatives in the Rotes Rathaus.

“My goal is not only to ensure the high quality of our cultural landscape, but also to shape the framework conditions in such a way that culture can continue to offer Berliners a great deal despite financial challenges.”

Wegner for long-term planning reliability

Berlin needs a “cultural strategy 2035”, Wegner continued. It is important to set the right course for the future together with the cultural institutions now. “Our institutions need long-term planning reliability - without compromising on artistic excellence.”

Cultural dialog to be continued

Wegner announced that he would continue the dialog that had begun in the coming weeks and months in order to develop solutions and strategies for the coming years together with the cultural scene. “I am convinced that together we will succeed in making culture in Berlin fit for the future.”

Cultural sector must save 130 million euros

At the end of last year, the House of Representatives approved budget cuts totaling three billion euros for 2025. Practically all areas are affected. Culture will have to save around 130 million euros - almost twelve percent of its originally planned budget. The sector had mobilized vociferously against the cuts. Wegner and the black-red coalition had countered that Berlin would be spending around one billion euros on culture in 2025 despite the cuts. In comparison: ten years ago, the cultural budget still amounted to 450 million euros.

Wegner recognizes commitment and constructive dialogue

In this context, Wegner had announced last year that he would enter into a stronger dialog with the cultural sector about further development. For example, he called for cultural institutions to work more economically. According to the Senate Chancellery, more than 20 representatives of major theatres, orchestras and associations took part in the meeting at City Hall.