Volunteer heroines: Awards for theater fans in Gera!

Volunteer heroines: Awards for theater fans in Gera!

On July 1, 2025, the cultural highlights in Thuringia will be in the spotlight again. This time it's all about volunteer work, which is a special honor for the Theater Altenburg Gera and its surroundings. The impressive performance of the musical “Krabat and the King” has just taken place in the picturesque Lumpzig post mill, a true festival for the region.

The award given to three committed supporters of the theater will be particularly remembered. Helga Klinger, chairwoman of the Society of Theater and Concert Friends Gera e. V., Jutta Kloß from the Gera Orchestra Friends Association and the absent Barbara Grubitzsch, chairwoman of the Association of Theater Friends for Altenburg and the surrounding area. V., were recognized for their tireless efforts. The honors were presented by District Administrator Uwe Melzer and Mayor Kurt Dannenberg, together with General Director Kay Kuntze. Particular emphasis was placed on how important cultural anchor points such as theater are for the region.

Appreciation of the commitment

District Administrator Melzer emphasized how committed Barbara Grubitzsch is to theater culture by promoting the exchange between audiences, artists and theater management through events such as the “Theater Breakfast” or the “We at Four” series. Mayors Dannenberg and Kuntze also emphasized how crucial the volunteer supporters are for preserving the cultural traditions in Gera and Altenburg. They are the quiet heroes behind the scenes who keep cultural life going with a lot of passion and dedication.

But volunteering is not only valued in Gera. There are numerous funding programs available throughout Thuringia that support civic engagement in culture. The platform for cultural contacts in Thuringia points out that both the state, municipalities and foundations provide funds for various cultural projects. From local initiatives to nationwide projects – the possibilities are wide-ranging. More information about how to apply is available online.

Funding programs and opportunities

One of the most recent initiatives is the “Active on Site” funding program, which can now be applied for digitally from the Thuringian Voluntary Foundation. A record-breaking 2.5 million euros are available for 2023 to support civic engagement in rural areas. The Thuringian Voluntary Work Act, which was passed in spring 2024, has helped to increase these funds and creates more planning security for the initiatives.

The digital applications are specifically tailored to the needs of committed citizens in Thuringia. Non-profit organizations are supported in various areas such as the preservation of customs, culture, environmental and monument protection as well as child and youth work. The funding also includes measures to digitize the association's work and recognize volunteers. You can receive up to 5,000 euros per application.

The high flexibility of these programs shows that volunteering in Thuringia is not only encouraged, but also valued. In view of the various cultural events and the upcoming projects, it is worth taking advantage of the funding opportunities and becoming active. Anyone with a good hand can make a big difference here and contribute to preserving the cultural diversity in the region.

You can find more information about funding opportunities under the following links: Straight, Cultural contacts Thuringia and Thüringen.de.