Greens warn of downward spiral in Saxony's cultural sector

The Greens have warned of a downward spiral in the cultural sector in view of cuts to state cultural institutions. With the current double budget, they are being forced to make severe savings, explained MP Claudia Maicher, who had submitted a minor question on the subject in the state parliament. "These cuts through the back door are a serious burden for the future of the state cultural institutions."

Greens fear loss of attractiveness of the institutions

According to Maicher, the savings will severely affect the attractiveness of the offers. "What kind of signal does it send if admission prices rise and opening hours have to be restricted at the same time? If new productions, festivals, offers for young people and special exhibitions have to be cut back or cancelled," asked the MP.

Maicher, cultural policy spokesperson for the Greens in the state parliament, also sees important work in the background at risk - from research and digitization to restoration and maintenance. Many measures will also have to be suspended in 2026 due to the pressure to save money. "I therefore view the development of our state cultural institutions with great concern. The cuts are jeopardizing their international and regional appeal and their importance as cultural ambassadors in our society."

An appeal to Culture Minister Klepsch

"It is now up to Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch to prevent this downward spiral from continuing. I expect the minister to do more to preserve our cultural heritage and the excellent standard of our state cultural institutions when drawing up the 2027/2028 double budget," Maicher appealed to the CDU politician.

Maicher calculated that the Dresden State Art Collections alone would have to save 5.7 percent of the total budget and the German Center for Accessible Reading in Leipzig 6.6 percent. The Semperoper and the Staatsschauspiel in Dresden would miss out on more than three million euros this year.

Fewer premieres, less money for guest fees

In its response to the minor inquiry, the Ministry of Culture also referred to the savings measures already being implemented by the individual institutions. For the Sächsische Staatstheater (Semperoper and Staatsschauspiel), fewer new productions, a reduction in guest fees and a probable discontinuation of the Fast Forward theater festival in 2026 were mentioned - unless other sources of funding open up.