Berlin Faces Backlash Over Deep Cuts to Cultural Budget

Planned 11.6% reductions to Berlin's cultural funding threaten jobs, programs, and the city's global reputation as a cultural hub.

The Berlin Senate has announced an 11.6% cut to the cultural budget for 2025, amounting to a reduction of approximately €130 million.
Cultural institutions, including the Konzerthaus Berlin and Berliner Philharmoniker, warn that the cuts will disproportionately impact innovative and experimental programs, as well as freelance artists.
The Konzerthaus Berlin has already canceled its February 2025 'Projections' festival due to the budget shortfall, highlighting the immediate effects of the reductions.
Critics argue that the cuts will damage Berlin's unique cultural landscape, which employs 8.2% of the city's workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 2.9%.
Cultural leaders and creators are calling for collective action to resist the cuts, with some proposing strikes and other forms of protest to emphasize the sector's value.