In today’s world, projects that emphasize community are needed more than ever. The unifying power of art and culture can play a central role in this.
The selected projects at the kickoff event on February 12, 2025, at the Wagenhallen Stuttgart with Renata Jungo Brüngger (Board Member, Mercedes-Benz Group AG), Arne Braun (State Secretary for Culture, Baden-Württemberg), and Dr. Frank Nopper (Lord Mayor of Stuttgart) // Credits: Pauline Bonnke
This is where our support initiative “Kulturkessel” comes in: funded with a total donation of €6.5 million by Mercedes-Benz, cultural projects in Stuttgart are supported over a period of five years. These projects aim to generate shared artistic impulses and contribute to a vibrant cultural life in the state capital. The initiative was launched by the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft and received a strong response to its first call for applications – over 90 submissions were received, from which an expert jury selected 21 projects for funding.
The goal of the initiative is to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration between independent artists and established institutions in Stuttgart, using new formats and innovative artistic approaches to engage with the city’s society. Particular focus is placed on young people aged 15 to 29, who had limited access to cultural offerings during the pandemic. In the long term, the initiative seeks to foster spaces for dialogue and opportunities for cultural participation in the city.
The initiative also places great importance on effectiveness and sustainability. It aims to create impacts in the urban cultural landscape that endure over time. This includes active, cross-institutional, and cross-disciplinary networking among actors in Stuttgart’s cultural scene. In this context, the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft guides the conceptual development of the initiative and provides a neutral platform for innovative projects and new approaches to sponsorship.
Throughout the funding period, the Kulturkreis organizes regular networking meetings for the supported cultural projects. During these sessions, participants report on the status of their projects, share challenges and successes, and provide mutual support and inspiration. Continuous evaluation of the projects provides insights into areas that may need adjustment. The supported participants also benefit from a variety of workshops tailored to their specific needs.
The “Kulturkessel” funding model demonstrates how corporate engagement can be used strategically to strengthen cultural diversity.
More information about the 21 selected projects and the next steps can be found on the Kulturkessel website.
www.kulturkessel.eu
Today, culturally engaged companies want to do more than provide symbolic support – they aim to create impact and actively shape culture. The Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft offers the ideal framework for this – as an experienced partner with access to the cultural scene and solid expertise in developing effective sponsorship initiatives.
As a corporate member, you can work with us to develop local projects that sustainably strengthen culture at your location – such as the “Kulturkessel” initiative with Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart.
Projektfilm "Kulturkessel"
Auftaktveranstaltung 12.02.2025
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