Breaking barriers – Igniting culture! A funding program on inclusive cultural work

In 2024, the motto is "Breaking barriers - igniting culture!"  This is a funding program on inclusive cultural work.

In our society, people often face obstacles that impede or even prevent their cultural participation. At the same time, there are barriers that prevent people from becoming cultural actors or creative practitioners themselves.

The annual theme aims to draw attention to the fact that cultural work can actively work against exclusion, barriers or disadvantage. In the sense of: Culture for and by all! The focus should be on projects that create accessibility, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, physical or mental impairment or other characteristics.

The focus is to sensitize, animate and activate actors to pay attention to disadvantages or degradation of groups or individuals in the cultural sector. Similarly, we want to encourage actors who have a disability or experience barriers to develop project ideas and apply for project funding. First-time applicants are especially encouraged to apply!

The goal is to strengthen the development of diversity in the cultural sector. Existing structures and their accessibility are to be questioned and new formats are to be developed and tested.

Project applications can include a variety of formats to highlight the annual theme - from exhibitions, concerts and workshops to different types of events. The focus is on creating accessibility and overcoming barriers, whether physical, social or cultural, spatial or content-related.

Interested parties have the opportunity to demonstrate in their projects how a cultural engagement with the theme of inclusion can take place. The interpretation of the theme of inclusion can be multifaceted or thematic. Both theoretical and practical approaches are possible, including activities that break down barriers in various areas - whether in cultural offerings, participation, or outreach.

The goal is to break down barriers and promote participation in cultural activities in order to create a diverse and inclusive structure of offerings. It is possible to plan inclusive projects as well as to implement further training measures and mentoring programs in the field of barrier-free cultural productions and inclusive mediation methods. It is also possible to deal with the topic of inclusion in the cultural sector as part of a project.

If you need help with the application process or if any questions arise, the Cultural Directorate will be happy to assist you by e-mail, telephone or in person.

On October 23, 2023, the Cultural Directorate will host an informative online event on "Planning Accessible and Inclusive Cultural Projects" starting at 4:00 pm. Participation in this event is free of charge and open to all interested parties. The event is being held in cooperation with the Service Agency Inclusion in the Cultural Sector and offers a comprehensive insight into the aspects that need to be considered when planning and implementing inclusive cultural projects.

Interested parties can register for the online event at:

kulturfoerderung@erfurt.de or 0361 655 1612

If you require special barrier-free assistance to participate in the information event, please let us know when you register.

To submit project ideas, please use the application form "Kulturförderung: Antrag auf Gewährung Projektförderung zum kulturellen Jahresthema 2024" here on the website. The deadline for submission is December 15, 2023.

Alternatively, the application form is also available as a printed version in the erfurtkultur-store (in the town hall, behind Bernd the Bread). The erfurtkultur store is barrier-free or wheelchair accessible. It is open on Fridays between 10:00 and 16:00. If you need assistance with the application process, we also offer advice in the erfurtkultur-Store.

As soon as your project idea has been formulated and the application has been completely filled out and signed, please submit it to the Cultural Directorate. There are various options for submission: you can bring the application in person or send it by mail to the Cultural Directorate. It is also possible to hand in the application at the information desk in the town hall or to drop it in the mailbox there. Alternatively, you can send the application by e-mail to kulturfoerderung@erfurt.de. This option is the most frequently used.

Our address is:

Cultural Directorate
Haus Dacheröden
Anger 37
99084 Erfurt

Sebastian Rätsch from the Cultural Funding Department will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach him by e-mail at kulturfoerderung@erfurt.de or by phone at 0361 655-1612.