Annex Form - Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission

Länder, this promotion is a manifestation of the conviction that the national minorities
contribute significantly to the diversity of cultural expressions and to Germany’s cultural
wealth. In addition to the minorities themselves, their languages as well as the regional
language of Low German are protected. These languages are spoken in a total of eight
Länder (Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Pomeranian, Lower Saxony, North
Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Schleswig-Holstein).
2.1.8 Cultural activities of churches and religious communities
Religions and belief systems within society are important vehicles for culture. Through them,
cultural experiences, abilities and customs are developed, maintained and evolve, as
common cultural heritage. With their stock of sacred edifices, Christian churches define the
skyline of German cities and towns; they disseminate and preserve valuable national cultural
goods through their treasures, monastic libraries and church music. The Jewish religion and
Jewish cultural heritage have also influenced Germany’s culture and society. One example is
the medieval synagogue that was rediscovered in Erfurt along with a treasure trove exhibited
there, that show the cultural significance of the development of the Jewish religion in the
Thuringia region. One example of the contemporary cultural strength of the Jewish religious
community can be found in the New Synagogue in Berlin’s Mitte district. This is home to a
community with a vibrant cultural life, as demonstrated by its major event centre. In recent
decades the Muslim community has also contributed to cultural and religious diversity in
Germany. The plurality of religious and ideological communities and population groups we
see today is having a lasting impact on everyday culture.
2.2. International cooperation and preferential treatment
2.2.1 Structure of international cooperation (governance)
The diversity of cultural expressions and dialogue among equals are important factors within
the Federal Government’s cultural relations and education policy. In accordance with
Germany’s multi-layered cultural policy, municipalities, local governments and Länder are
also actively involved in international cooperation. Beyond the task of presenting Germany’s
art and culture abroad, exchanges and networking with representatives of foreign cultures
have been well established. Germany today is home to many artists who have roots not only
in Germany but also in other cultures. They are important bridge builders who contribute to
intercultural dialogue. Culture and development also play an increasing role in German
development cooperation.
The promotion of cultural programming in the fields of arts, music, theatre, dance, literature
and film is an important aspect of cultural relations and education policy. In 2010, Federal
Government-financed measures in this field accounted for a total of EUR 1.513 billion (USD
2 billion).
The Federal Government provides funds for cultural projects from and within developing
countries and for artists and producers of culture from these countries to participate in
cultural events in Germany. In addition to supporting cultural exchanges and guest
performances from German amateur and up-and-coming ensembles, tours, fairs, exhibitions,
festivals and cultural educational projects, the last decade has seen increased support for
the exchange of knowledge and experience, which lay the groundwork for long-term
partnerships and networks. Furthermore, within the context of its international cooperation
efforts, the Federal Government also supports producers of culture and cultural institutions in
partner countries by helping to sustainably develop cultural infrastructure, promote the
cultural and creative industries, and by providing expert advice on cultural policy.
Political leaders view the increasing diversity of cultural expressions in Germany and
internationally as a tremendous opportunity.