Public Arts Funding in a Politically Tense Climate – Scenarios of Change?
Open Studio · Discourse by Dr. Justus Duhnkrack
In the frame of RESIST!: Assembly
In collaboration with Zeitgenössischer Tanz Berlin e.V. and external guests, the project RESIST! hosts weekly “Assemblies” from March 5 to May 7: every Thursday evening** from 5–7 pm, everyone interested is invited to gather at Uferstudio 5.
The focus of the Assembly on 19.03. is public arts funding: How is it structured, what opportunities exist for political influence, and how might it develop? The political steering potential of public arts funding is often underestimated in public discourse—but not by the New Right, whose motto is “first culture, then politics.” Through an abstract introduction to the legal framework of public arts funding, we aim to create an understanding of decision-making processes and possibilities for political shaping. Following this, future scenarios developed with cultural practitioners will be presented, revealing hypotheses about vulnerabilities in arts funding. These scenarios serve as a basis for further discussion: What impacts lie ahead for culture, and what does this mean for society? What opportunities and risks emerge, and what courses of action are available?
With the format of the “Assemblies,” we aim to offer the independent scene space and time for broader cultural and political exchange. While digital connections tend to encourage fast, largely anonymous and individualized expressions of opinion, we choose to invest in real social cohesion. Through the “Assemblies,” we create a solidaric setting in which reflection and discussion can take place live and on site. Together, we want to explore how we can sustainably defend artistic freedom — in the face of current cuts to cultural funding and the normalization of right-wing positions within wider society.
The focus of the Assembly on 19.03. is public arts funding: How is it structured, what opportunities exist for political influence, and how might it develop? The political steering potential of public arts funding is often underestimated in public discourse—but not by the New Right, whose motto is “first culture, then politics.” Through an abstract introduction to the legal framework of public arts funding, we aim to create an understanding of decision-making processes and possibilities for political shaping. Following this, future scenarios developed with cultural practitioners will be presented, revealing hypotheses about vulnerabilities in arts funding. These scenarios serve as a basis for further discussion: What impacts lie ahead for culture, and what does this mean for society? What opportunities and risks emerge, and what courses of action are available?
With the format of the “Assemblies,” we aim to offer the independent scene space and time for broader cultural and political exchange. While digital connections tend to encourage fast, largely anonymous and individualized expressions of opinion, we choose to invest in real social cohesion. Through the “Assemblies,” we create a solidaric setting in which reflection and discussion can take place live and on site. Together, we want to explore how we can sustainably defend artistic freedom — in the face of current cuts to cultural funding and the normalization of right-wing positions within wider society.
Here is a brief overview of the Assembly dates:
05.03: Opening & welcome for our resident artists
12.03: Open general assembly of Zeitgenössischer Tanz Berlin e.V. (ZTB)
19.03: “Public Arts Funding in a Politically Tense Climate – Scenarios of Change?” with Dr. Justus Duhnkrack (lawyer and political advisor)
26.03: Assembly with the Dance Funding Working Group (AG Tanzförderung)
16.04: Assembly with the Dance & Parenthood Working Group (AG Tanz und Elternschaft)
23.04: Assembly with the Working Culture Group (AG Arbeitskultur / Work Culture)
30.04: External guest (tba)
07.05: Assembly with the Decolonize / Dance Working Group (AG Decolonize / Dance)
05.03: Opening & welcome for our resident artists
12.03: Open general assembly of Zeitgenössischer Tanz Berlin e.V. (ZTB)
19.03: “Public Arts Funding in a Politically Tense Climate – Scenarios of Change?” with Dr. Justus Duhnkrack (lawyer and political advisor)
26.03: Assembly with the Dance Funding Working Group (AG Tanzförderung)
16.04: Assembly with the Dance & Parenthood Working Group (AG Tanz und Elternschaft)
23.04: Assembly with the Working Culture Group (AG Arbeitskultur / Work Culture)
30.04: External guest (tba)
07.05: Assembly with the Decolonize / Dance Working Group (AG Decolonize / Dance)
Accessibility
Studio 5 is accessible without steps, but has a raised wooden floor which can be reached via a 1.5% inclined ramp. Wheelchair spaces are available.
The barrier-free toilet is located in the foyer of the studio, a few meters from the studio.
Studio 5 is accessible without steps, but has a raised wooden floor which can be reached via a 1.5% inclined ramp. Wheelchair spaces are available.
The barrier-free toilet is located in the foyer of the studio, a few meters from the studio.
If you have any further questions about the access requirements for this performance, please contact: access@tanzfabrik-berlin.de
Further information on accessibility can be found on our website: https://www.tanzfabrik-berlin.de/en/barrierefreiheit#
Further information on accessibility can be found on our website: https://www.tanzfabrik-berlin.de/en/barrierefreiheit#
Dr. Justus Duhnkrack
Dr. Justus Duhnkrack works as a lawyer and political advisor. He completed his doctorate at Bucerius Law School on the topic of “public arts funding” and has since worked, among other positions, as legal counsel for the Kulturstiftung des Bundes and for BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN.
Duration approx. 120 Min
Free entry. First come, first served.
Free entry. First come, first served.
Credits
Lecture/Moderation: Dr. Justus Duhnkrack
Contributors: N.N.
The project RESIST! is funded by the Senatsverwaltung für Kultur und gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt as part of the programme “Residenzförderung Tanz 2025–2027”.
Lecture/Moderation: Dr. Justus Duhnkrack
Contributors: N.N.
The project RESIST! is funded by the Senatsverwaltung für Kultur und gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt as part of the programme “Residenzförderung Tanz 2025–2027”.