The German government’s €1 billion COVID-19 recovery plan, “Neustart Kultur,” includes €150 million set aside for live music.
“Neustart Kultur” translates to “restart culture” in English. A government press release states the 12-month program will allocate funds to “music venues, festivals, [concert] organizers and agents.” Of the sum, €50 million will be set aside for “grassroots music venues.”
Parts of Germany already suffered from nightlife crises prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Berlin in particular faced a Clubsterben, meaning “death of clubs,” that saw creative spaces give way to developments like hotels and apartment buildings. Last month, an advocacy group called Booking United campaigned for the government to assist DJs and other performers in an open letter.
The broader “Neustart Kultur” budget includes €150 million for theatre and dance, €120 million for film, €100 million to museums and heritage sites, and €20 million for radio broadcasters. Read the breakdown of the program in its entirety here.
Image Credit: Daniel Lonn
