At its 51st meeting on June 3, 2025, the Cultural Advisory Board once again addressed a pressing issue: the uncertain future of cultural institutions due to the space situation. In addition to the kuenstlerhaus43, the "Films in the Palace" series and the "International Festival of Animated Film" are also fearing for their continued existence. At the same time, the Kulturpalast initiative reports difficult working conditions and a stressful noise situation since moving back into the renovated rooms of the Bürgerhaus Tattersall. There is new impetus for the Stadtmuseum location.

Unanimous support for the continuation of the film program in Biebrich

The Cultural Advisory Board voted unanimously to support the talks between the Head of Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hendrik Schmehl, and the state with a resolution recommendation - with the aim of securing the venue in Biebrich Palace. "If we have ever taken the "valuable" rating seriously, we must not allow the closure of the FBW to end the film program in the castle," emphasized the deputy chairwoman of the advisory board, Dorothée Rhiemeier. "Films in the Castle" and the "International Festival of Animated Film" are cultural highlights that have grown from years of passionate work. "We are therefore appealing to the state to support the continuation of these events by continuing to provide rooms and a manageable level of funding."

City museum: new dynamism through civic engagement

Erika Noack, Chairwoman of the Friends of the City Museum, reported growing interest in the City Museum and the association itself - not least due to new location options such as the former SportScheck building. It was noted with pleasure that the city council had decided on a feasibility study for the location in Langgasse. Together with museum director Sabine Philipp, she spoke out in favor of a city museum in a central location that brings history to life and is anchored in the heart of the city - preferably with the support of the entire urban community.

Culture needs reliability - and political courage

The urgent need for political decisions was made particularly clear by the still unclear future of the kuenstlerhaus43. Cultural Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Helmut Müller warned: "kuenstlerhaus43 is an established cultural institution in the heart of the city. The theater makers have impressively demonstrated its importance - even at its current location in the Palasthotel. The fact that even a simple extension is becoming a political tour de force and there is still no real perspective is slowly becoming incomprehensible."

Dr. Müller announced that he would shed light on the difficult situation of the Kulturpalast at the upcoming meeting on 19 August and concluded with an appeal: "Culture cannot be preserved with lip service. It is more important than ever for urban society, which is why we need political courage, especially in times of tight budgets, to set the course for a diverse cultural infrastructure and a vibrant city center."