Culture Can Rely on the State
The Baden-Württemberg government has confirmed its financial backing for over 300 cultural institutions in 2026. Minister of Art and Culture Petra Olschowski reassured organisations that state funding would remain steady. The pledge covers major venues like the Württembergische Staatstheater in Stuttgart and the Badisches Staatstheater in Karlsruhe, alongside museums and memorial sites.
The state’s 2026 budget for arts and culture stands at €620.6 million, slightly below the €627.4 million allocated in 2025. Since 2011, funding has grown by around 62 per cent, reflecting a long-term commitment to the sector.
Four key institutions—the two state theatres in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, the Linden Museum, and the Hotel Silber Memorial—operate under a 50:50 funding split with their local councils. In 2025 alone, the Stuttgart theatre received €59.4 million in direct state subsidies, while Karlsruhe’s theatre obtained €26.5 million. Olschowski emphasised that the government would uphold its share of costs for all jointly funded projects. This includes smaller and mid-sized cultural bodies across the region, ensuring stability for planning and operations.
The announcement guarantees continued support for cultural venues and programmes across Baden-Württemberg. Institutions can now proceed with their 2026 plans, knowing the state’s financial contribution remains secure. The decision follows a decade of rising investment in the arts.
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