The German Government has announced a €1 billion (approximately $1.13bn) financial aid program to get the country’s cultural industries up and running again following the closures of venues and cancellations of cultural events due to Covid-19.
The aim of the Neustart Kultur (Restart Culture) program, according to a statement announcing the measures, “is to revive the cultural life paralyzed by the Corona pandemic and thereby create job opportunities for artists and everyone working in the cultural field”.
Included in the €1bn stimulus package is a $150m ($169m) provision specifically for the live music business with music venues, festivals, organizers and agents set to benefit.
As reported by IQ, within that €150m live music fund, €50m ($56m) has been been earmarked for grassroots venues.
Meanwhile, around €250m ($282m) will be spent on ‘pandemic-related investments in cultural institutions’ are planned to make cultural institutions fit for reopening by implementing stricter hygiene procedures, online ticketing systems and the modernization of ventilation systems.
In addition, the federal aid package will provide €20m ($23m) for private radio broadcasters, which the German government states “have been hard hit by the slump in advertising revenue and continue to have high personnel costs in view of the enormous need for information from the public”.
“With an additional one billion euros, we support the restart of cultural life in Germany and set the course for the future.”
Monika Grütters, Minister of Culture
Minister of Culture Monika Grütters, said: “With an additional one billion euros, we support the restart of cultural life in Germany and set the course for the future.
“I am proud to say that this is almost exactly half of our annual budget, which has grown considerably in the past few years, ”continued Grütters.
“We want to save our unique cultural landscape and give the artists a perspective.
“With NEUSTART KULTUR, in combination with other aid packages worth billions from the federal government, we are making a contribution that is unparalleled internationally.”
Photo: Sebastian BoleschMusic Business Worldwide
