- This is part of the Election manifesto Berlin 2011 (English translation)
ARTS AND CULTURE POLICY
The way a democratic community is constituted is aptly described in Friedrich Schiller's words: "Art is a daughter of Freedom." Promoting culture does not only protect creativity but also our attitude and rights of freedom. A responsible, transparent, inspiring and sustainable cultural policy strenghtens a future-oriented, diverse and humane society. This policy must create the necessary framework conditions for a free development of art and culture - it must not value or monopolize them. Berlin's diversity, cultural freedom and subversive character should be defended by way of government-funded spaces and a proportionality at the preservation of the citizens' rights. Authorities ought to use their power of discretion to decide in favour of art and culture initiatives. The cultural life of Berlin should vividly develop also as an economic factor and a platform for networking. The planning of cultural development is complex and must coordinate cultural education, the citizens' activity and contribution as well as the arts and the cultural economy and define the necessary ressources and procedures. The Piratenpartei strives to keep stable the structure of the funding of art and culture. Even in times of economic crises the funds of particular sections should not be cut so that their respective existence is endangered, for contrary to tangible assets a lost cultural infrastructure can only slowly be rebuilt. The access to cultural institutions has to be kept open for all social classes so that these institutions are rooted in society. Furthermore, institutions that are largely financed by the public must be accessible for the public.
