Kulturstiftung der Länder Sets New Strategic Direction

The Kulturstiftung der Länder (Cultural Foundation of the German States) has agreed on a new programmatic orientation for the coming years, as announced after a board meeting on June 24, 2026. The foundation aims to expand its funding activities focused on the acquisition, preservation, and mediation of outstanding art and cultural assets. Key priorities include supporting museums, archives, and libraries, as well as assisting states with future challenges related to cultural heritage and contemporary collection management. The foundation will also strengthen its coordination and advisory roles, notably through its contact point for cultural goods and human remains from colonial contexts, established by a resolution of the federal government, states, and municipal associations. Dr. Christine Regus, who became Secretary General in November 2025, emphasized the foundation's commitment to resilience, cultural property protection, and addressing sensitive collection items such as looted art. The board also announced that Dr. Stephanie Tasch will succeed Prof. Dr. Frank Druffner as Deputy Secretary General in summer 2027. Druffner noted a problematic rise in restoration funding applications, which the foundation may not be able to meet in the future.