Government wants to secure cultural offerings in Saxony

Saxony's government wants to secure cultural offerings in the Free State with additional money. Ten municipal theaters and orchestras have agreed with State Minister of Culture Barbara Klepsch (CDU) on funding totalling 4.6 million euros for 2023 and 2024, the Ministry of Culture announced in Dresden on Thursday. According to the German Stage Association in Saxony, unforeseeably high increases in personnel costs have caused difficulties for theaters and orchestras in rural regions and their sponsors, threatening their very existence.

The money will be used to cover half of the theaters' additional funding requirements and thus maintain their ability to perform and operate. The other half will be realized through increased subsidies for the operators. "Saxony is a cultural state. Municipal theaters and orchestras are an important location factor, especially in rural regions," explained Klepsch. The ministry also wants to continue to support the theatres in 2025 and 2026, it said.