Green light for independent cultural work in Chemnitz

At the end of March, the Culture Committee publicly decided on the allocation of funding for independent cultural work in 2024 totalling around 4.6 million euros. In the presence of many cultural professionals, the Culture Committee decided on the funding of independent cultural institutions and projects in Chemnitz, following the recommendations of the Cultural Advisory Board and the City of Chemnitz's cultural management.

110 applications were submitted to the cultural organisation. Of these, a total of 97 applications can be subsidised, including 59 project applications. The funding level for institutionally funded organisations can therefore be maintained.

Many organisations are still struggling with considerable challenges, e.g. the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the general inflation rate and increased energy costs. The subsidy from the City of Chemnitz is therefore of existential importance for the cultural centres. With their diversity in all areas of culture and vibrancy, the independent cultural institutions make a significant contribution to the cultural landscape and range of events in Chemnitz.

For example, support is provided for museums such as the Tram Museum, the Ebersdorf School Museum and the Schauplatz Eisenbahn in Chemnitz-Hilbersdorf, as well as the Theater Komplex on the Sonnenberg and the Fritz-Theater in the Siegmar district, the Clubkino Siegmar, the Schlingel international film festival and Radio T, the socio-cultural events at Kraftwerk, Arthur e. V. and Subbotnik. Youth culture programmes such as the Chemnitz Band Office and important cultural events such as the Saxon Mozart Festival and the ensembles Sächsisches Sinfonieorchester and Singakademie Chemnitz are also supported. The Neue Chemnitzer Kunsthütte e. V. is funded for the operation of the Neue Sächsische Galerie and the preservation and mediation of the art collection of the same name. Projects such as the international festival Tanz I Moderne I Tanz, the Dialogue of Cultures and creative offerings at the Stadtfabrikanten and Kaffeesatz e. V. are also supported, as are the Staunt Festival, the Chemnitz Peace Day, the 33rd Days of Jewish Culture, a Christmas festival, the Chemnitz Festival of Culture and the Chemnitz Festival of Culture. Days of Jewish Culture, a Christmas oratorio for children, the documentary play "Golden Wedding" in Kleinolbersdorf-Altenhain, readings and writing workshops by Chemnitz literary associations and large-scale projects such as the Fête de la Musique project on 21 June in Chemnitz city centre, organised by Spinnerei e. V.

Small project funding until 15 November:
In addition, important projects that are particularly important to the Cultural Advisory Board and the Cultural Administration in accordance with the City of Chemnitz's cultural strategy can be realised. This year, too, small projects that arise at short notice can be applied for from the cultural administration by 15 November via the reserve fund that has been created.

Artist in Residence Support Fund (AiR) until 31 October:
The Chairman of the Cultural Advisory Board, Tobias Möller, points out that the Cultural Committee has once again decided to set up an Artist in Residence Support Fund for non-profit cultural organisations. Cultural organisations can apply for a maximum grant of 3,000 euros for a residency of around four weeks in Chemnitz for artists or cultural professionals from various disciplines until the end of October 2024. A scholarship and accommodation costs are to be co-financed. A personal contribution must still be made. The artist can also come from Germany, but should at least be resident outside the Free State of Saxony. The association Netzwerk für Kultur- und Jugendarbeit provides advice on how to apply for the AiR Fund (consultation appointments at: kultur(at)nkjc.de)

Investment funding:
In 2024, the Free State of Saxony will once again provide investment funding totalling approx. 560,000 euros to reduce the backlog of renovation work at cultural institutions and to promote necessary investment projects based on a decision by the Saxon State Parliament. This will be used, for example, to carry out various maintenance work in the Chemnitz Art Collections, to remodel the "Children's World" area in the city library after 20 years and to renew the spotlight systems and sound technology in the opera house. Independent cultural organisations are also receiving support to upgrade their facilities. For example, the Museum of Saxon Vehicles will be able to purchase a new cash register and the Subbotnik e. V. event centre will receive new sanitary facilities for visitors.

All specific information can be found in the City of Chemnitz's council information system:

• Funding for cultural facilities and measures in 2024 (draft resolution B-021/2024)
• Funding of cultural institutions and measures from state investment funds in 2024 (draft resolution B-039/2024)

The funding of art and culture is based on the valid guidelines of the City of Chemnitz for the granting of grants in the field of art and culture.

Further information:
www.chemnitz.de/kulturfoerderung
www.chemnitz.de/kulturstrategie