Culture and Community in Erlangen: Focus on Children, Comic-Salon, and kubic

Cultural Education in Primary Schools: "Kulturfüchse" Remains a Central Pillar

Erlangen's "Kulturfüchse" program is a proven model for cultural education in primary schools. For several years, the Kulturfüchse have promoted early engagement with theater, art, and literature at the Hermann-Hedenus-Grundschule and the Mönau-Grundschule. The modules are integrated into the curriculum and jointly designed by the Theater Erlangen, Kunstpalais, and Stadtbibliothek.

In February 2026, it became clear that due to budget and personnel constraints, the program will not be expanded but rather reduced to its core. Instead of six modules per school year, only four will be offered in the future. Although the program structure remains the same, these restrictions highlight the challenges of financially strained times. Nevertheless, the program remains well-received – by both teachers and children.

International Comic-Salon 2026: Ticket Prices Adjusted

The 22nd International Comic-Salon in Erlangen, which will take place from June 4 to 7, 2026, plans to adjust admission prices. The one-day ticket costs 15 euros for adults and 7.50 euros for discounted visitors, while the all-day ticket costs 40 euros (standard) or 20 euros (discounted). Children under six years of age continue to enter free of charge.

Discounts apply to children and young people aged 6 to 14, holders of the Erlangen Pass, the Aktiv-Card, persons with disabilities (50% or more), and accompanying persons with a B-notation. It is important to note that ticket proceeds also fund movie screenings – a sensible combination that makes the visit more attractive.

The principle of "Pay what you can!" is not applied at the Comic-Salon. However, the "Children Love Comics" program at the Kultur- und Bildungs-Campus (kubic) remains free of charge, with donations being collected.

The kubic: A New Cultural Beacon in Erlangen

The Kultur- und Bildungs-Campus (kubic) is another central project in Erlangen's cultural landscape. Following the bilingual kindergarten, the German-French Institute, and the Sing and Music School, the kubic is another cornerstone of the city's cultural identity. In mid-February 2026, the event operations and service office will gradually begin.

Through the collaboration of various cultural institutions, the kubic will become a central meeting place for education, culture, and encounters. The start of the project was discussed at the session of the Cultural and Leisure Committee on February 4, 2026, and it is a symbol of the long-term cultural development of the city.

City Museum: Innovation Despite Budget Problems

The City Museum has proven to be a central anchor in Erlangen's cultural landscape in 2025. With new and innovative outreach programs, it has tried to reach new target groups. Nevertheless, significant challenges arose due to the budget situation.

At the session of the Cultural and Leisure Committee, an oral report on the previous year was presented, which addressed both successes and financial constraints. The future of the City Museum therefore depends heavily on the budget planning – and on how much priority cultural institutions will continue to be given in the city.

Conclusion: Culture Remains Central – Despite Resource Shortages

Erlangen continues to focus on cultural education, access, and participation – even in times of budget constraints. The "Kulturfüchse" remain a central part of cultural work in primary schools, the International Comic-Salon will continue with new prices, and the kubic will start as a new cultural center.

The challenges – especially of a financial nature – are not to be underestimated. Nevertheless, it becomes clear: Culture is not a marginal issue in Erlangen, but a central building block for the development of the city. Sustainability here means that cultural diversity remains intact even with budget cuts – through innovation, cooperation, and compromise.