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The diversity and vibrancy of our cultural landscape have made this city one of the most internationally significant cultural metropolises. Theaters, opera houses, concert halls, children's and youth stages, museums—all of these contribute to Berlin's status as a magnet for millions of people from around the world. Culture is not just a competitive advantage; it is the heart of our city.

The budget cuts to the cultural sector that have now been approved threaten this heart. They endanger jobs, reduce artistic offerings, and weaken cultural participation for the people of Berlin. They will discourage tourists from visiting our city.

We acknowledge the difficult financial situation of the State of Berlin, but any cuts must be made judiciously. The path to a balanced budget requires collective effort. However, culture must not become an afterthought.

Culture creates opportunities. Culture is an investment in the future of this city. Every cut not only weakens the creatives working onstage and behind the scenes but also strips Berlin of a piece of its soul.

That is why we appeal to policymakers: Let us work together to find ways to strengthen culture for the future and to preserve Berlin's status as a cultural metropolis. Let us come together to protect Berlin's cultural landscape—for everyone.

We believe in dialogue. We believe in solidarity. We believe in a collective effort by policymakers and cultural creators.

Berlin must remain a cultural city—today, tomorrow, and for future generations. Let us fight for a city that thrives, inspires, and demonstrates what is possible when culture has a firm place at the centre of society, making it a magnet for talent from the business world and companies worldwide.

Together for Berlin's culture.

Signatories:
Berliner Ensemble | Oliver Reese
Berliner Philharmoniker | Andrea Zietzschmann
Deutsche Oper Berlin | Dietmar Schwarz
Deutsches Theater Berlin | Iris Laufenberg
Komische Oper Berlin | Susanne Moser and Philip Bröking
Maxim Gorki Theater | Shermin Langhoff
Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz | Thomas Ostermeier
Staatsballett Berlin | Christian Spuck
Staatsoper Berlin | Elisabeth Sobotka
Theater an der Parkaue – Junges Staatstheater Berlin | Alexander Riemenschneider and Christina Schulz
Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz | Celina Nicolay