Berlin's cultural scene is facing one of the most serious crises in recent years: the Senate, i.e. the city's local government, has announced drastic 12 percent cuts to the culture budget for 2025 and 2026. These reductions affect all cultural sectors, from large theaters to small associations and independent projects. Although the cultural budget represents only 2.1 percent of the German capital's total budget, the amount saved – about 130 million euros – will have a significant impact, with consequences that could affect not only the arts, but also the city's economy and social fabric.

There are many reasons for the cuts, but they can be summed up in one sentence: Germany's economy is in crisis, and risks going from being the “locomotive of Europe” to becoming its “sick man.” While the Scholz government has recently imploded under the weight of its own political contradictions, the ruling CDU/SPD Große Koalition in Berlin finds itself managing a 40 billion euro budget that it can no longer cover, forcing it to cut at least three billion euros in 2025 and a similar amount in 2026.

Berlin is culture: according to many, this simple idea holds the secret to the German capital's appeal. This claim is backed by numbers: 185 museums, 150 theaters, 99 cinemas, and over one billion euros of public investment in culture in 2024 speak for themselves. Added to this are the famous Clubkultur and the many underground cultural spaces, which, despite increasing struggles, continue to resist rampant gentrification. However, this unique reality now seems more at risk than ever.

Experts warn that the cuts approved by the Senate could lead to the closure of many cultural spaces. Small theater companies, independent art projects, and initiatives that offer educational or social integration services will be the most affected. Public spaces dedicated to artistic production, such as studios and rehearsal rooms, are also highly at risk. Berlin is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, which attracts tourists from all over the world: more than 50 percent of visitors choose the city specifically for its artistic offerings. A reduction in cultural vitality could therefore also have a significant impact on tourism, hospitality, and retail.

The list of projects at risk is long and includes many celebrated venues in Berlin's cultural scene, such as the Schinkel Pavilion, the Silent Green or SAVVY Contemporary. But also some of the major projects that were supposed to reshape the face of the city are fearing the consequences of budget austerity. These include the restoration of the Komische Oper, one of the city's three opera houses, located near the prestigious Unter den Linden boulevard. The theater was redesigned in 2023 by kadawittfeldarchitektur with a bold and modern intervention, scheduled for completion in 2029. Now, the opening of construction has been postponed until a later date, and some even fear a permanent closure.

The Central City Library (Zentral- und Landesbibliothek Berlin, ZLB) is facing similar problems: in early 2024, optimistic plans to create a modern library hub in the former Galeries Lafayette were presented –– we talked about it here –– but that dream now seems to have faded. Employees of Berlin's public libraries have reacted with drastic measures: a temporary occupation of Jean Nouvel's iconic building, which is in danger of becoming yet another office space in an increasingly dull Friedrichstrasse, is planned for Thursday, November 28.

Faced with this situation, Berlin's arts community is experiencing weeks of intense mobilization, culminating in the Berlin ist Kultur (Berlin is Culture) initiative. Artists, actors, and cultural organizations have joined forces to protest the cuts, emphasizing the importance of culture for the city's social cohesion and identity. Prominent figures participating in the demonstrations include famous actors such as Lars Eidinger and Katharina Thalbach. The protests will culminate in a large demonstration planned for 15:00 on November 29, at the Neptunbrunnen in front of the city hall.

In Berlin, culture is not considered a luxury, but an essential part of the urban fabric. In addition to its economic aspect, the cultural scene plays a crucial role in promoting social dialogue and integration. The closure of cultural spaces would represent an impoverishment not only of the arts, but also of human and social life. As the Berlin ist Kultur initiative points out, every euro invested in culture is an investment in the city's future.

This situation could offer food for thought for Italy as well, where culture often suffers from cuts and underfunding. Berlin, a European symbol of cultural innovation, reminds us that culture is an indispensable economic and social engine. The struggle of Berlin's cultural scene shows how art can mobilize civil society and defend values that are fundamental for the future of our cities.

For more information and updates on the protest, you can visit the official website of the Berlin ist Kultur initiative.

Opening image:The facade of the opera house (Staatsoper Berlin)