Culture in danger: Drastic cuts threaten Saxony's literature and art

Culture in danger: Drastic cuts threaten Saxony's literature and art

Sachsen, Deutschland - On June 8, 2025, the discussion about cultural promotion in Saxony is more hot. The state government has submitted a cut budget for the years 2025 and 2026, which affects all departments. Cultural institutions, clubs and initiatives, such as l-iz.de are particularly affected. The already low literary promotion is exposed to further threats, which the regional group Leipzig alerts in the PEN Center Germany. Benedikt Dyrlich, spokesman for the PEN base group, warns that the reduction plans could endanger the diversity of the Saxon cultural landscape.

In the conversations with MPs and cultural representatives, there is a broad concern about the effects of these cuts. The donation for the Saxon Cultural Foundation is to be attributed to the 2015 budget level. This would have massive effects on the promotion of cabaret projects, film, libraries and socio -culture, especially in rural areas. In addition, two literary magazines in Leipzig and Dresden are immediately threatened, which could further restrict cultural diversity.

cultural support and priorities of the government

Despite the cuts in the field of culture and art, the Saxon cabinet emphasizes that the focus is on culture and tourism. The government draft for the double budget 2025/26, such as media service.sachsen.de reports that cultural areas receive the same means as in 2024. This corresponds to around 104 million euros.

A cultural pact for nine municipal theater and orchestra continues with around 9 million euros. In addition, 1.4 million euros for cultural education and 7.87 million euros for music schools will be provided. However, it should be noted that the funding of the Free State of Saxony for 2025 will be 1.7 million euros, which means 750,000 euros less compared to 2024.

resistance and demands from the cultural industry

The spokesman for the Leipzig group in PEN therefore call for the coalition of the CDU and SPD in the cultural promotion and ask for consideration of the proposals for the change of the democratic opposition in the Saxon state parliament. This political debate is not only limited to the financial means, but also affects the 1st state goal of the Saxon constitution that defines Saxons as a social constitutional state.