Hesse is committed to cultural development in rural areas

“LandKulturPerlen” programme shares what has been accomplished so far in the German state

The German state of Hesse supports projects that bring art and culture into rural areas and invites people to put their ideas into action with the programme "LandKulturPerlen". From the handicraft market to taking part in graffiti workshops to Instagram challenges to getting to know the culture of the region.

At the kick-off event, cultural actors, as well as representatives from administration, associations and clubs, were able to find out about the offers of the LandKulturPerlen. Getting to know each other for the first time formed the starting point for cooperation with the programme. All participants are invited to become part of the growing cultural network in rural areas - regionally and throughout the state.

What the programme has accomplished so far and what it still needs to do was discussed at a multimedia kick-off event attended by Art and Culture Minister Angela Dorn.

“With the LandKulturPerlen we would like to use, support and develop existing structures and especially appreciate the commitment of the cultural workers on site. The exchange with cultural workers and getting to know each other are particularly important to us. It should continue to succeed in doing successful and sustainable cultural work that brings people together and invites them to participate - that's why we have expanded the project from initially northern to all of Hesse,” said Art and Culture Minister Angela Dorn.

70 funded projects so far

Since 2017, the LandKulturPerlen has funded nearly 70 projects, initially as a model project in northern Hesse districts and now across Hesse. Regional representatives in North, South and Central Hesse also provide advice on project creation and other funding opportunities, as well as free cultural seminars and on-site networking among cultural workers.

In the long run, these mechanisms will be passed on to those in charge of culture on the ground, allowing mutual considerations, discoveries, and outcomes to flow into regional growth.