About

The Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft im BDI e.V. (Association of Arts and Culture of the German Economy at the Federation of German Industries e.V.) is the longest-standing institution for entrepreneurial support of the arts in Germany. Since 1951, it has promoted emerging artists in the areas of architecture, visual art, literature, and music through the contributions and donations of its members, which include some of Germany’s leading companies. As a nationwide, independent network focused on corporate arts sponsorship, it connects culturally committed companies, business associations, corporate foundations, and entrepreneurs.

© Holger Talinski / Kulturkreis
Dr. Clemens Börsig, former Chairman of the
of the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft:
"Without art and culture, a free and dynamic society is unthinkable. That is why the german economy has committed itself to investing in a future-oriented culture in Germany. The Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft is the institution that gives this concern nationwide validity."

Members of the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft demonstrate that corporations and entrepreneurs are eager to support the arts, taking on the social responsibility to preserve and actively shape a vibrant cultural life. They stand for creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity.

Membership fees and donations provide support for outstanding emerging contemporary artists. Members can also choose to participate in committees for individual funding areas. Their encounters and engagement with contemporary artists and artwork provide important impulses for their own entrepreneurial activity. All members are able to take part in exclusive Kulturkreis events. These range from exhibition openings, readings, concerts, and excursions, to the Deutscher Kulturförderpreis award gala, to the annual three-day Kulturkreis conference. At such events, members connect with prize-winning artists and high-profile guests from business, culture, and politics across Germany.

Kulturkreis members can also join working groups for Arts Sponsorship, Corporate Collecting, and Cultural Education.

The Kulturkreis is open to any company or entrepreneur that wants to embrace social responsibility through a commitment to art and culture. If you are interested in membership, please contact us at info@kulturkreis.eu!


Members

© Herbert Höltgen

The unique network of the Kulturkreis consists of approximately 450 members. They include Germany’s leading enterprises, companies of all sizes and branches of industry, culturally-minded entrepreneurs, business associations, and corporate foundations.

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Board

© Holger Talinski / Kulturkreis

The board of directors, consisting of leading figures from large German companies, establishes the general guidelines for the activities of the Kulturkreis.

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Office

Kulturkreis

The office of the Kulturkreis is located in Berlin’s Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft (House of German Industry), Breite Straße 29, 10178 Berlin.

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Organisation

Henning Rogge / Kulturkreis

The Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft is an independent, non-profit association. It is composed of the board of directors, member assembly, and management.

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History

© Kulturkreis Archiv

The Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft im BDI e. V. (Association of Arts and Culture of the German Economy at the Federation of German Industries e. V.) was founded in 1951 and is the longest-standing institution for entrepreneurial support of the arts in Germany.

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Publications

© Peter Kierzkowski / Kulturkreis

You can find a selection of publications by the Kulturkreis here.



Jobs

© Marco Lieske

Current job vacancies can be found here.