Renovation backlog everywhere, concert hall debate without end and a new pinakothek that was closed four years ago and has only been renovated for a few months – but still without any significant beginnings for a contemporary concept. Now 16 well-known circles of friends of state cultural institutions and the citizens involved in them have joined forces to fight against such a lack of planning. Together they founded the “Cultural Future of Bavaria” initiative, which aims to put pressure on politicians and introduce the topic into the forthcoming state election campaign.
Anna Kleeblatt, who is also active in the National Theater’s Joy Circle, and Markus Michalke, Chairman of the Pinakothek der Moderne Foundation Council, presented the initiative this Thursday at the Academy of Fine Arts. The two speak for around 10,000 citizens who are organized in the circles of friends. And the representatives of the circles of friends have also made sure that it is widely visible where there is a need for action in Munich alone. At 9 a.m. sharp, huge banners were hoisted at the portals of the National Theater, the Residence and in the art area. The initiative is aimed at all of Bavaria. It is assumed that within a few weeks twice as many groups of friends and sponsors will join from Aschaffenburg to Garmisch. In the medium term, not only the circles of friends of state institutions are to be brought on board, but also those of municipal institutions. The Munich Philharmonic is “the vanguard in this matter,” said Anna Kleeblatt.
She is also involved in the Munich Tourism Initiative (TIM) and emphasizes culture not only as an integrative factor in society, but also as a key factor in Bavaria as a business location. “We have to remain attractive in the competition for workers in industry and science, but also for guests from all over the world. Tourism benefits from attractive cultural offerings.”
The support and friends groups, in which many well-known Munich citizens and patrons are involved, appear self-confident – they are important cornerstones in cultural financing. The members of the 16 circles of friends have jointly raised more than 150 million euros in funding since their inception. Each circle for its institution. But now it is time “to give the culture-interested citizens of Bavaria a voice and to demand a holistic and, above all, long-term restructuring and future concept from politicians”.
One is “aware of the current financial challenges,” says Michalke, which is exactly why key statements are required in the upcoming election campaign. “Resources are becoming scarcer and it is important to use them wisely and with foresight,” says Michalke.
The initiative is concerned that several museums, theaters and concert halls in Munich will be closed simultaneously for renovation work in the coming years. “If that happens, we will openly reduce access to cultural offerings, and the question is whether we will ever be able to catch up with the international competition in the cultural sector again,” said Anna Kleeblatt. Due to the closure of the Herkulessaal, Gasteig and Nationaltheater at the same time, there would be a total of 3000 fewer seats in concert operations alone if no other plans were made now.
“There are so many ideas and initiatives to bring Munich into the future as a cultural location, but to do this we need to know what strategy the politicians are pursuing,” emphasizes Michalke. Needs analysis, time and financing plan are necessary. In addition, a vision that does justice to the society of the 21st century, which is less canonically prepared and culturally pluralistic. This must be reflected in the offers and formats of the institutions. “We will be able to continue to motivate our members in their civic engagement, I’m sure of that. But they would like to know how politicians in the Free State position themselves on the cultural infrastructure here in Munich and in Bavaria.”
Further events such as symposiums, information evenings and discussion rounds with well-known experts from a wide variety of disciplines will follow in the coming months.
The groups of sponsors and friends involved so far
• Friends of the Bavarian National Museum • Association of Friends of the Bavarian State Theater • Biotopia Sponsors – Bavarian Natural History Museum • Udo and Anette Brandhorst Foundation • Sponsors of the Munich Philharmonic • Friends and Sponsors of the Munich Philharmonic • Muka – Association of Friends and Sponsors of the Musical Academy of the Bavarian State Orchestra • Friends of the National Theater in Munich • Stiftung Neues Konzerthaus Munich • PIN. Friends of the Pinakothek der Moderne • Pinakothek Association – association for the promotion of the Old and New Pinakothek • Foundation Pinakothek der Moderne • Friends of the Munich Residence • Association of Friends of the State Graphic Collection Munich • Friends of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra • Association of Friends of the Central Institute for art history
More information: www.initiativekulturzukunft.de