The goals of the New Cultural Policy in Germany largely reflect the requirements and objectives of the Council of Europe‘s definition of “social cohesion”. In addition, they are of growing importance in relation to equality of cultural opportunities, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.
In this context, the 1999 integrated federal and state action programme entitled “Socially Integrative City” is also of interest. The aim of the programme is to improve living and housing conditions in neighbourhoods – in urban and socially vulnerable areas. The programme has been continued since 2020 under the title “Social Cohesion”.
The positive impact that culture and the arts have on the process of cultural integration and social cohesion is increasingly recognised. However, few local or state authorities implement concrete programmes and projects. Some Länder, however, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, have specific support programmes.
Local authorities and public and private cultural institutions (such as cultural centres) remain the most important actors in this field. In addition, foundations are also becoming increasingly active: the Federal Cultural Foundation and the Cultural Foundation of the Länder both cooperate with civil society institutions and can be highlighted in this context. The cultural activities of the churches are also gaining in importance in this context.
Addressing audiences who feel particularly alienated from the arts is at the heart of projects that address the problem of social cohesion. Programmes such as the use of artists in public schools (e.g. with the project “Cultural Agents for Creative Schools” – see 5.1) or projects by theatres or orchestras working in social contexts such as neighbourhoods, homes for the elderly, hospitals, etc. are examples that can be seen as both innovative and effective. There has been a certain revival of the social and cultural ideas of the seventies and eighties, when cultural policy had its focus on the social impact of culture and art, as expressed in the term “socioculture”.
In addition, there are a number of programmes whose aim is to support disadvantaged children and young people in accessing cultural and educational opportunities, for example with the programme “Kultur macht stark” (Culture makes you strong), which was launched in 2013 (see 5.1)
In June 2020, the German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering was established (https://www.deutsche- stiftung-engagement-und-ehrenamt.de). It began its work in July 2020 with headquarters in Neustrelitz. The aim of the foundation is to sustainably strengthen voluntary work, especially in regions with weak economic growth and in rural areas. This also goes hand in hand with the decision to locate the foundation in a structurally weak region in eastern Germany. The foundation serves primarily as a service centre.
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