Cultural funding in the Görlitz district: hope and disappointment!

Cultural funding in the Görlitz district: hope and disappointment!

In a joyful glimmer of hope for the Upper Lusatia-Lower Silesia cultural area, it is announced today that the “Lets Talk” project will be funded with 1.5 million euros. This financial injection falls under the federal Aller.Land program and is scheduled to run for five years. The target group is rural and structurally weak regions that urgently need support to strengthen cultural offerings and promote a sense of community. Like that Saxon reports, the commitment of the local people is a central part of this project.

The program, which was launched in 2023, focuses on projects that will develop viable concepts for lively and participatory cultural development over the next few years. In the first phase, 97 regions, including Kirschau, were able to benefit from 40,000 euros each to develop innovative approaches. Now another 30 regions have been selected that can put their concepts into practice by 2030, like this Ministry of Culture reported.

Disappointment in those who are rejected

But not all initiatives in the region were able to celebrate. While the Weißwasser Glass Museum did not benefit from the funding, the museum's director, Christine Lehmann, expressed her disappointment at the rejection. She sees the application as a great opportunity for the region and had planned projects such as a landscape and glass art festival as well as specialist conferences. The Glass Museum is currently offering a special exhibition on Viennese glass design and a digital scavenger hunt, but the question remains as to how culture can be promoted to the majority.

The “Sohland Lives” association, which wanted to work to revitalize vacant properties and artist residencies, had a similar experience. Here too, hopes for funding remained unfulfilled. However, club chairwoman Lotte Benesch-Jenker emphasizes that the voluntary work will continue and the village café will remain open to strengthen the community.

Funding opportunities and perspectives

The funding structure in Saxony shows a diverse commitment that goes beyond the Aller.Land program. There are numerous initiatives supported by the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture to promote cultural education, digitalization and sustainable development. Examples of this are the platform for cultural education and the promotion of socio-cultural centers. Information about the application deadlines for upcoming projects can be found on the website Lusatian culture to find.

The challenges in rural areas are great, but with the right support programs and citizen engagement, the path to cultural revitalization is paved. Everyone involved hopes that, despite the setbacks, new creative impulses will be given that will ultimately promote social interaction and promote culture in Upper Lusatia.