On June 9, the Cultural Advisory Board hosted a networking event focused on “cultural education in the full-day program.” The stated goal of strengthening the network of cultural professionals, dedicated teachers, and foundations or funding organizations was clearly achieved that evening in the packed Schwurgerichtssaal. 

In light of the “Pact for All-Day Programs” launching in the coming school year, the central theme of the networking event was the question of how cultural education—or culture in general—can be more strongly and permanently integrated into all-day programs at schools. Presentations were given by Thomas Langenfeld and Nina Hahn (both from the Cultural Education Division of the Hessian Ministry of Culture, Education, and Opportunities), Michael Schmitt (Service Agency for All-Day Education in Hesse), Thomas Klotz (Specialized School for Cultural Education, Theodor-Fliedner-Schule), Tatjana Schneider (Specialist Advisor for Cultural Education), and Alexander Pfeiffer (Director of the writing workshop “Die Schreibwütigen”), as well as 2025 George Konell Prize winner Ellen Benner. The evening was moderated by Dr. Helmut Müller, Chairman of the Cultural Advisory Board.

“We hope that with the expansion of full-day schooling, cultural education in schools will really take off,” said Dr. Müller, expressing his delight at the positive response. “For children and young people—and also for teachers—the shift toward all-day schooling is a great opportunity that must be seized.” 

Three specific requests or suggestions can be identified as key points of the discussion:

• Greater support and collaboration in applying for funding for cultural education in schools
• A stronger integration of culture into the all-day school program in Wiesbaden
• A joint event to showcase cultural education projects at Wiesbaden schools

The network meeting is to be made a regular event and will continue to take place at least once a year. "We invite all interested teachers, cultural professionals, schools, parents, foundations, and supporters to participate in this network," Müller concluded.