Published on 13 May 2026
Statement by federal artists’ associations in Germany: Deutscher Künstlerbund, BBK Bundesverband, IKG – Internationales Künstlergremium, Internationale Gesellschaft der Bildenden Künste (IGBK), Verband der Gemeinschaften der Künstlerinnen und Kunstfördernden (GEDOK) on the current election platform of the AfD political party in Saxony-Anhalt.
"As artists’ associations, we jointly reaffirm the fundamental principles of artistic freedom and cultural funding in the Federal Republic of Germany.
This statement is prompted by the current election platform of the AfD political party in Saxony-Anhalt for the upcoming state elections. Among other things, the program speaks of wanting to "cure" an alleged "identity crisis" through a "new, patriotic cultural policy." In our view, this and other positions in the program pose a serious threat to fundamental democratic values, as well as to artistic freedom and diversity in Germany.
In light of these (cultural) political positions, we feel compelled to take a clear stand at both the federal and international level.
As associations representing artists in Germany, we therefore demand:
- The freedom of art must be guaranteed without restriction and must not be compromised by cultural policy instruments.
- The arms-length principle in public cultural funding and the independence of professional juries are key safeguards and must be preserved.
- Public cultural institutions are spaces for open, pluralistic discourse that helps foster democratic coexistence; they must not be subjected to political influence.
- An open democratic society is characterized by its ability to tolerate contradictions and address grievances through public discourse and democratic processes.
On behalf of artists in Germany and our members, we advocate for these fundamental principles: Art needs freedom – Democracy needs art."
