Cultural Institutions Oppose AfD Policy In Saxony-Anhalt

Sixty-seven cultural institutions in Saxony-Anhalt have joined an initiative opposing a nationalist-oriented culture policy announced by the AfD party. These foundations, museums, and associations released a statement against the proposed patriotic culture policy. The Kulturstiftung Sachsen-Anhalt issued a statement opposing the instrumentalization of history and culture for nationalist purposes. The organization said that freedom of art, cultural diversity, and a democratic culture of remembrance remain essential. This appeal was originally released two weeks ago and has generated media coverage. In Magdeburg, artists are addressing current crises through a new exhibition. Critics stated that the policy would turn the region into a cultural desert for contemporary visual arts. The policy is being compared to the cultural landscape in Hungary under Viktor Orban. The source noted that contemporary artists would have no influence outside of the state if the policy is implemented. The initiative, reported by Tino Deilmann, states that cultural policy must not be used for the nationalist instrumentalization of history and culture. Various foundations, museums, and associations have signed an appeal against nationalist cultural policies announced by the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt. Signatories include the Burg Giebichenstein University of Art, the Kötener Bachfesttage, and the Kloster Michaelstein.