LiveKomm calls on the cultural sector to strengthen networking following the Saxony-Anhalt election

The fact that 43.8 per cent of those who cast their votes in a state election chose a party whose regional branch in Saxony-Anhalt is classified by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a confirmed far-right extremist organisation marks a turning point for the Federal Republic of Germany. Regardless of whether the AfD subsequently assumes government responsibility, this result is a wake-up call for all those who champion an open, diverse and democratic society. Its impact will be felt far beyond Saxony-Anhalt.

LiveMusikKommission e.V. stands in solidarity with the cultural practitioners and democratic civil society in the state who work tirelessly every day to promote social cohesion, cultural diversity and democratic participation.

“As someone born in Saxony-Anhalt, I am deeply shaken by this result. At the same time, I would like to make a strong call to carry on – now more than ever, however difficult the times may become. Clubs, festivals and other cultural venues are central hubs of democracy in action. We must network, support one another and remain visible together,” explains Christian Ordon, Managing Director of LiveMusikKommission e.V.

LiveKomm is calling on cultural organisers, artists, associations, initiatives and democratic partners in Saxony-Anhalt to step up dialogue, share experiences and develop joint strategies. No one should be left to face attacks, intimidation or political conflicts on their own. Networking with one another and collaborating with experienced advice centres are essential for remaining able to take action.

As a practical resource, LiveKomm recommends the brochure ‘Haltung zeigen’. It offers guidance and recommendations for dealing with far-right, misanthropic and anti-democratic positions within one’s own work and event environments.

In addition, the services of the Mobile Advisory Service are available. The Federal Association for Mobile Advisory Services and its regional advisory teams support civil society actors, organisations and initiatives in dealing with right-wing extremism, racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of group-focused hostility. The advice is tailored to the specific local situation and can help build confidence in taking action, develop protection strategies and strengthen democratic structures.

An overview of the advisory services is available on the website of the Federal Association for Mobile Advice:

Mobile Counselling in Saxony-Anhalt

The LiveMusikKommission calls on democratic forces and decision-makers in Saxony-Anhalt to ensure the long-term future of cultural funding and democratic civil society. Cultural venues need reliable framework conditions so that they can fulfil their social responsibility and continue to create spaces for diversity, participation and interaction.

“What we are seeing in Saxony-Anhalt concerns us all. Our first thoughts go out to the many local people who, in the wake of this election result, are worried about their safety, their future and the democratic culture in their communities. They must not be left to face these concerns alone. At the same time, now, if ever, is the moment when we in the cultural sector must take an even clearer and more decisive stand for democracy, diversity and an open society. What matters now is not to succumb to resignation, but to take responsibility together. For us at LiveKomm, this means: ‘now more than ever’,” said Mankel Brinkmann, Chair of LiveMusikKommission e.V.

About LiveKomm:

Live Musik Kommission e.V. (LiveKomm for short) is the national association of music venues in Germany and represents more than 730 music clubs and festivals in over 100 towns and cities. Its members are among the largest providers of local cultural events, urban tourism and the promotion of German and international talent, and it is part of the European music venue network LiveDMA.