Saxony-Anhalt cultural institutions warn against AfD's proposed cultural policy shift

Almost 30 cultural organizations in Saxony-Anhalt have voiced their apprehension regarding the recently sanctioned state program by the AfD, which advocates for a "new patriotic cultural policy" should they come to power. This strategy poses a risk to artistic freedom and the inclusivity of cultural institutions, as it aims to align culture with a party-defined identity. The initiative emphasizes "German plays" and mandates that publicly funded art must enhance German identity. Cultural Minister Rainer Robra (CDU) asserted that cultural policy ought to create avenues for expression rather than impose limitations. Among the signatories are Kulturstiftung Sachsen-Anhalt and Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau. Additionally, the AfD criticized the state's #moderndenken campaign, proposing their own #deutschdenken initiative, requiring applicants for state funding to demonstrate a "patriotic basic attitude."