Germany Invests Heavily in Youth Opportunity: ‘Culture is Strong’ Program Expands with New Funding Rounds
Berlin, Germany – July 16, 2025 – In a move hailed by educators and arts advocates alike, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is significantly bolstering its “Culture is Strong. Alliances for Education” program, committing substantial funding to cultural educational projects aimed at empowering children and adolescents facing challenging circumstances. This breaking news offers a vital lifeline to organizations working to bridge opportunity gaps and foster creativity in young people across the nation. This isn’t just about art; it’s about building resilient, well-rounded individuals.
What is ‘Culture is Strong’? A Lifeline for At-Risk Youth
Launched in 2013, “Culture is Strong” recognizes the transformative power of cultural engagement. The program provides financial support to local alliances – partnerships between educational institutions, cultural organizations, and social work agencies – to deliver extracurricular activities designed to reach young people aged 3 to 18 who are at risk of limited educational opportunities due to difficult family or social environments. It’s a holistic approach, understanding that a child’s potential isn’t solely defined by their academic record.
A Diverse Range of Opportunities: From Dance to Digital Arts
The funding isn’t limited to traditional art forms. The program embraces a broad definition of “culture,” encompassing everything from visual and performing arts to movement, everyday culture, media education, and even nature-based learning experiences. Eligible projects include courses, workshops, holiday programs (including residential options), mentoring schemes, and peer-to-peer learning initiatives. A key focus is on combining creative expression with critical reflection, and integrating both analog and digital tools.
Several organizations are spearheading specific initiatives within the broader program. For example:
- Chance dance: Focuses on dance education. Application deadline: September 30, 2025.
- Alevi Community Germany: Promotes open-air cultural and artistic projects. Application deadline: September 15, 2025.
- Assitej Germany: Supports pathways to theater for young audiences. Application deadline: September 30, 2025.
- Federal Working Group Circus Education: Offers circus arts programs emphasizing diversity. Application deadline: September 1, 2025 (limited availability).
- Federal Music Association: Provides access to music education through choirs and orchestras. Multiple application deadlines throughout 2025 and early 2026.
- German Library Association: Champions digital literacy and creative media skills. Application deadline: October 15, 2025.
(A complete list of program partners and application deadlines can be found at the end of this article.)
Beyond Funding: Support for Collaboration and Capacity Building
The BMBF isn’t just providing money; it’s fostering a collaborative ecosystem. Funding is available not only for project implementation but also for alliance meetings, networking workshops, volunteer training, and even parental involvement initiatives. This emphasis on capacity building ensures that projects are sustainable and have a lasting impact. The program understands that strong communities are built on strong partnerships.
Why This Matters: The Long-Term Impact of Cultural Education
Research consistently demonstrates the profound benefits of cultural education, particularly for vulnerable youth. Participation in the arts can boost academic performance, enhance social-emotional skills, foster creativity and critical thinking, and provide a sense of belonging. In a world increasingly defined by rapid change, these skills are more vital than ever. This program isn’t just about creating artists; it’s about creating engaged, informed, and resilient citizens.
Key Requirements & How to Apply
Projects must be implemented by local alliances comprising at least three partners from the cultural, educational, and social work sectors. Crucially, projects must not already be publicly funded and require a well-defined concept submitted through the Kumasta database. Detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines is available on the BMBF website and through the individual program partners listed below.
Program Partners & Application Deadlines (At a Glance)
- Action Tanz: 09/30/2025, 03/31/2026
- Alevi Community Germany: 09/15/2025
- Assitej Germany: 09/30/2025
- Federal Working Group Circus Education: 09/01/2025
- Federal Music Association: 09/01/2025, 01/15/2026, 05/01/2026
- Federal Association of Fine Artists: 09/30/2025, 02/28/2026
- Federal Association of Free Performing Arts: 10/15/2025, 02/15/2026, 05/15/2026, 10/15/2026
- Federal Association of Youth and Film: 09/08/2025
- Federal Association Networks of Migrant Organizations: 10/06/2025
- Federal Association of Popular Music: 10/01/2025
- Federal Association of Cultural Child and Youth Education: 09/10/2025
- German Library Association: 10/15/2025
- German stage association: 10/15/2025
- German Museum Association: 10/31/2025
- German Parity Welfare Association: 09/15/2025
- German Volkshochschul-Verband: 10/15/2025, 01/15/2026
- Fonds representing arts: 10/01/2025
- Joint educational institution Federal Association: 09/01/2025
- Spielmobile: 10/05/2025, 02/01/2026
- Turkish community in Germany: 09/01/2025
- Association of German Music Schools: 09/26/2025
- Circus for everyone: 09/15/2025
- Friedrich Bödecker districts: 09/15/2025
- Dagesh: Continuous
- JFF – Institute for Media Education: 09/01-15/2025
- Foundation digital game culture: Continuous
- Reading Foundation: 06/30, 09/30, 12/31/2025
Further Information: BMBF Alliances for Education & Kumaka Database
This significant investment by the BMBF underscores Germany’s commitment to ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive through the power of culture. It’s a testament to the belief that creativity and access to the arts are not luxuries, but essential components of a just and equitable society.
