Cuts to the federal culture budget threaten the diversity of our musical infrastructure

Berlin, 17 July 2026 

With the government’s draft federal budget for 2027, the Federal Government is setting out its cultural policy priorities for the coming years. The draft poses significant challenges for the professional music scene. Overall, the budget of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media is set to fall by around ten per cent. The government’s draft thus sends a worrying signal regarding the long-term safeguarding of a diverse musical infrastructure.

Cuts at the expense of the independent scene

The draft budget provides for significant cuts in areas of project-based funding schemes that are of central importance to the independent music scene in particular – for example, the ‘Initiative Musik’ programme or the Festival Fund. It is precisely these programmes that create scope for innovation, artistic development and new collaborations. Cuts therefore not only affect individual projects but also undermine the long-term viability of the entire music landscape.

We expressly welcome the fact that the federal government continues to fulfil its responsibility towards key cultural institutions and, as far as we are aware, is maintaining individual funding schemes, such as the Musikfonds, at a stable level. These decisions make an important contribution to Germany’s cultural infrastructure.

Need for action in the parliamentary process

We call on the members of the German Bundestag to amend the government’s draft bill accordingly during the parliamentary process. The aim must be to secure the long-term viability of the independent music scene and to allocate sufficient resources to the funding schemes so that they can fulfil the federal government’s cultural policy objectives even under the current economic conditions.

A diverse musical landscape requires strong institutions and a vibrant independent music scene. Both are indispensable components of a democratic and vibrant cultural society.

Real cuts despite stable budget allocations

Even a funding budget that remains nominally unchanged in other areas must not be confused with actual stabilisation. Rising minimum fee thresholds, collective agreement increases, and higher production, travel and operating costs mean that fewer artistic projects can be realised with unchanged funding, and that the precarious working conditions in parts of the independent music scene are worsening. Without a corresponding increase in funding, funding programmes are losing their real impact.

This development runs counter to the cultural policy objectives enshrined by the Federal Government in its coalition agreement. Fair remuneration, good working conditions and higher fee standards are important and necessary steps forward. However, they can only be implemented if funding budgets keep pace with these developments and are increased accordingly.

The independent music scene as an indispensable part of the cultural infrastructure

The independent music scene fulfils essential roles within Germany’s cultural infrastructure. Freelance musicians of all genres, independent ensembles and orchestras generate new artistic impetus, develop innovative concert formats, enable cultural participation and bring cultural diversity to both urban and rural areas alike.

Institutional organisations and the independent music scene fulfil different yet complementary roles in this regard. A sustainable cultural policy needs both – as the position paper by the German Music Council has made abundantly clear! Strengthening individual institutions must therefore not come at the expense of those funding structures that enable innovation, the development of young talent, artistic growth and cultural diversity.

“The federal budget is always, in part, a decision about the future of the music landscape in Germany. For independent ensembles and orchestras, planning security and reliable funding structures are particularly crucial. Only in this way can artistic quality, fair working conditions and cultural diversity be secured in the long term.”Lena Krause, Managing Director of FREO – Freie Ensembles und Orchester in Deutschland e. V.

About FREO

FREO – Independent Ensembles and Orchestras in Germany e.V. is a network and political voice for independent ensembles and orchestras in Germany. The association brings together the concerns of independent ensembles and orchestras and advocates for visibility, planning security, structural funding and fair operating conditions. Further information can be found at www.freo-netzwerk.de.