Statement on culture in Saxony-Anhalt
Home is where diversity is lived and others and strangers are treated with respect. Home is where cultures are recognized as equal and we meet as equals.
Art and culture connect people. Whether theaters, museums, libraries, music or art venues, socio-cultural centers or independent initiatives, we create meeting spaces and keep our society open, diverse and worth living in.
Right-wing populist forces are deliberately attacking the freedom of art, stirring up insecurity and working towards a backward-looking culture of exclusion and marginalization. Democratic values are called into question, cultural work is delegitimized and influence is exerted on content and programmes.
These attempts to narrow debates, exclude people and control art contradict our self-image. Culture is a space for democratic debate.
The freedom of art and science is non-negotiable. It protects dissent, makes different perspectives visible and makes it possible to question power. Where freedom is restricted, democracy also comes under threat.
We defend artistic freedom against political instrumentalization and any form of appropriation. Our venues are public spaces – characterized by diversity, difference and the aspiration to actively shape social developments.
We stand for openness, respect and the dignity of every human being. We oppose exclusion, discrimination and anti-democratic ideologies.
As part of civil society, we seek to join forces with all those who share these values – in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond, in solidarity with all those who risk a great deal for the freedom of art.
As cultural actors, we are not neutral towards political extremism – because that would mean being neutral towards the violation of central principles of our Basic Law.
Artistic freedom is the basis of our work – and the benchmark of our attitude. We stand up for it. Together.
Because home is where diversity is lived and artistic freedom is defended.