Cultural Policy in Munich: Priorities and Decisions in February 2026

Cultural Policy in Munich: Priorities and Decisions in February 2026

Munich is a city with a strong cultural identity reflected in its museums, theaters, exhibitions, and international programs. In February 2026, the 59th meeting of the Cultural Committee of the State Capital City of Munich took place – a body chaired by Dominik Krause and subordinate to the Cultural Office. The committee addressed several central topics that have both programmatic and strategic implications for the city's cultural landscape.

Programmatic Focus of the City's Museums and the NS Documentation Center for 2026

A central topic of the meeting was the presentation of the programmatic focus of the city's museums and the NS Documentation Center for 2026. Museums are not only places of remembrance but also platforms for education and cultural learning. The discussions included the direction of exhibitions, the integration of digital media, and the expansion of educational programs. The goal is to position the museums as modern, accessible, and interactive institutions that appeal to a broad range of the population.

In the NS Documentation Center, the focus was particularly on processing the Nazi era. Concepts for new exhibitions were discussed, which are intended not only to convey historical facts but also to encourage engagement with contemporary issues. Criticism of the institution's hitherto academic orientation was addressed, and a stronger integration into the local educational landscape was sought.

Withdrawal of the State Capital City of Munich from the Association "Thomas Mann International"

Another significant topic was the withdrawal of the State Capital City of Munich from the association "Thomas Mann International." The association was originally established as a platform for intercultural exchange and literary policy. In recent years, however, it has faced increasing criticism for being perceived as overly ideologically driven and not transparent enough. The withdrawal is seen as a step to shape the city's cultural policy more independently, without having to bind itself to external, non-transparent structures.

At the same time, discussions are taking place on how the functions of the association can be integrated into other formats. It is planned to develop an independent program for international literary partnerships that is more tailored to the needs of Munich's cultural institutions.

Residency Program "Artist in Residence Munich": Report 2025 and Plans 2027

The residency program "Artist in Residence Munich" is a central instrument of cultural openness and international networking. The Cultural Committee meeting dealt with the report on the program's activities in 2025 and the plans for 2027. The Villa Waldberta and the Ebenböckhaus serve as artistic centers where international artists and creatives can develop their work.

In 2025, the program proved particularly successful in international collaboration. However, there was also criticism regarding insufficient public outreach and limited financial support for the residency projects. Therefore, for 2027, increased budgets and a stronger marketing strategy are planned. In addition, it is being discussed how the program can be more closely integrated into the local cultural and educational landscape.

Hybrid Participation and Transparency in Cultural Policy

Another focus was on the transparency and accessibility of committee meetings. The 59th meeting was designed as a hybrid session, meaning both physical and audiovisual participation was possible. This is a step toward participation and digital democracy, which is also being discussed in other areas of municipal policy. Media representatives were able to participate via Webex, which improved the reporting on cultural policy decisions.

The possibility of hybrid participation is especially important for engaged citizens, cultural professionals, and interested parties who cannot personally attend the City Hall. At the same time, this also presents a challenge, as digital participation involves new technical and organizational requirements.

Outlook: Cultural Policy as a Key Topic in the Next Meetings

The next meeting of the Cultural Committee is scheduled for March 12, 2026. In the coming weeks, the discussion on cultural priorities in public space, the funding of cultural projects, and the support of young artists will continue. The decisions of the Cultural Committee have direct implications for Munich's cultural identity and its position in the international context.