Country Profiles: Germany - Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

abroad.
Finally, there are several examples of cultural diplomacy to be found in the ZEIT foundation’s
work within the field of Education and Training. Highlights here are a project implemented in
several schools across Germany called ‘More Migrants as Teachers‛ 121 and the various
international symposia organised by the foundation, such as the Symposium on Religion and
the Symposium on Asia. 122 As the foundation states: ‘intercultural dialogue is at the centre of
the foundation’s international activities.‛ 123 Since intercultural dialogue lies at the core of
cultural diplomacy, the programmes are without a doubt a great illustration of one form of
cultural diplomacy.
While sharing its name with the newspaper Die Zeit, the ZEIT Foundation is not financially
dependent on its namesake. Initially, the foundation was funded through 100, 000 DM’s
drawn from Bucerius’ private assets. After Bucerius and his wife passed away, all their
private assets were transferred to the foundation, making it one of the most well-endowed
foundations in Germany. In 2009 the foundation’s total assets amounted to €725 million with
an annual budget of €24 million. 124 This budget is administered by an executive board and a
board of trustees counting 15 men and one woman. 125 For an overview of annual income and
expenditure, follow the below link: http://www.zeit- stiftung.de/home/index.php?id=14.
8.3 Musica Altona
Agent of Cultural Diplomacy: The organisation Musica Altona in cooperation with local
schools, kindergardens, parents‘ school, youth cafés, the Turkish Society of Hamburg, HAUS
DREI (House Three), FABRIK (Factory), Aktionskreis "Freundschaft macht Schule" (Lobby
group), Bürgerstiftung Hamburg (Citizen association), Helene Müller Daudert Foundation,
Foundation Kinderjahre and the Rotary Club Altona
Agenda: Integration and intercultural education through music
Vehicle of Cultural Diplomacy: Musical education
Target audience: Children and youth from the district of Altona
Musica Altona is a local organisation in the district of Altona, Hamburg. Founded in 2002, the
organisation is an important contribution to the enhancement of cultural diplomacy in a district
where 13,7 % of the population had a migration background in 2009. 126 The necessity
of the organisation’s work was recognized in 2010 when the Körber Foundation accorded
Musica Altona its price ‘Hamburger Tulpe‛. The price aims to reward and encourage
initiatives by the civil society which contribute to intercultural understanding. Musica Altona
undertakes to further intercultural understanding though musical training with an
international outlook. 127
In addition to bringing together children from diverse backgrounds to play music
together, the organisation offers a training programme which in itself is international.
Thus, not only are music and instruments from the German and European tradition
introduced to the students, but the presentation of music from other parts of the world
lies at the heart of the educational vision. Students participating in the Musica Altona
programme benefit from music classes given by teachers from Ecuador, Russia, Columbia,
Argentina and Germany. 128 Classes can be individual or conducted in groups and are
organised by age groups. Low prices ensure that almost anyone can participate in these