Kultur in Thüringen: Koalitionsvertrag – Reaktion und Ausblick
So, the new coalition agreement for Thuringia is out, and let's be honest, my initial reaction was a mix of "Huh?" and "What about the Kultur?". As someone who’s spent years involved in local theatre and arts projects in Erfurt, I’m always glued to these things. This isn't just some dry political document, it's a roadmap for the next few years, and that impacts everything, including our precious cultural scene.
Initial Thoughts: A Little Vague, But Hopeful?
The first read-through? A bit underwhelming, to be frank. They mentioned culture, sure, but it felt… generic. No concrete numbers, no bold promises—just the usual politician-speak about "supporting artists" and "promoting cultural diversity." Gähn. I mean, come on, we need specifics! How much funding? What specific programs? This wasn't exactly the detailed breakdown I was hoping for.
I've been involved in securing funding for small theater productions in the past. It's a nightmare. You're juggling spreadsheets, grant applications (oh, the grant applications!), and dealing with bureaucratic hurdles that would make your head spin. So seeing a vague promise about funding feels… frustrating, to say the least. We need more than good intentions; we need actionable plans.
What I Really Wanted to See
Honestly? I wanted to see clear commitments to things like:
- Increased funding for independent theaters: Many smaller theaters are struggling. They're the backbone of our local cultural scene, putting on amazing performances with limited resources. They desperately need support.
- More investment in arts education: We need to nurture the next generation of artists and performers. That means supporting arts programs in schools and providing more opportunities for young people to get involved.
- A dedicated cultural commissioner: Someone who's actually focused on cultural affairs and not just juggling a million other things. Someone who can champion the arts and make sure they’re a priority for the government.
A Glimpse of Hope (Maybe?)
Okay, okay, I'm trying to be fair here. Maybe I was expecting too much on the first pass. I’ve since re-read sections focusing on regional development and economic initiatives. There’s potential synergy. If they seriously invest in tourism, that benefits the cultural sector. More tourists mean more people attending shows, visiting museums, and supporting local artists.
Looking Ahead: Action Speaks Louder Than Words
The next few months will be crucial. We need to see concrete actions. Will there be a dedicated budget for cultural projects? Will they actually implement the vaguely-defined promises made in the agreement? The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding. I’m keeping a close eye on things and plan to stay involved in local advocacy groups to push for better support for the arts in Thuringia. Let's hope this coalition delivers on its promises. Otherwise, it's back to the grant application grind for me... and who knows how many other struggling artists.