Bochum: Culture and Community in Focus – February 2026

Culture as a Link – Bochum’s Policy in February 2026

Culture and community form a central part of Bochum’s municipal identity. In February 2026, several decisions were made that align with the city's cultural and social vision. The Culture and Tourism Committee provided impetus that affects both the institutional cultural landscape and the independent cultural scene.

Museum Development and Art Promotion

Bruno Heller Donates a Cultural Heritage to Bochum

A milestone for the Bochum Art Museum was the donation of 68 artworks by the Swiss artist Bruno Heller. The collection includes print graphics and collages from the 1970s to the 2000s and is of museum significance. The donation is valued at approximately 138,600 EUR, with no costs incurred by the city. The works enrich the museum's collection and enhance its international reach.

This donation is an example of how private initiatives can enrich the city's cultural infrastructure without generating public costs. Additionally, it offers opportunities for future exhibitions and research projects.

Support for the Independent Cultural Scene and Political Tensions

1.65 Million Euros for Cultural Diversity

The city has decided to support the independent cultural scene until 2027 with 1.653 million euros. These funds are allocated to theater scenes, music associations, heritage preservation, and youth culture. A special role is played by the Theater der Gezeiten, whose funding will now be transferred to the successor organization "Ebbe und Flut e.V."

The HalloDu-Theater will also receive increased funding of 20,007 EUR, which will be adjusted by 1% annually in the future. This decision illustrates how Bochum supports cultural projects with a social focus.

Criticism and Obstacles

An AfD amendment proposal, which aimed to exclude certain projects such as the Langendreer Train Station or the Fritz-Wortelmann Prize from funding, was rejected. The rejection reflects the broad support for a diverse, non-ideological cultural policy. However, the proposal also shows how cultural decisions can be politically controversial.

Safety in the Music School – Prevention as a New Responsibility

Protection Concept for Children and Youth

The Bochum Music School has adopted a protection concept against (sexualized) violence. Key measures include:

• Expanded criminal record checks for teachers
• Training in child protection
• A code of conduct
• A risk analysis
• An intervention plan with suspicion questionnaires, counseling, and labor law measures

The appointment of two officers for child and youth protection underscores the seriousness of the initiative. This concept sends an important signal for trust and safety in cultural educational institutions—and could serve as a model for other municipalities.

Archives, Exhibitions, and Future Perspectives

City Archives and Digital Challenges

The Bochum City Archives are planning a lecture and film series on city history for 2026. However, the outdated film technology is being discussed, indicating a need for future modernization. Additionally, the scientific advisory board will be discontinued, suggesting a restructuring of institutional work.

Christ-King Church: A New Beginning for Independent Theater?

In the currently vacant Christ-King Church, a production house for puppet theater is planned—a project with double-digit million investments. It could become a new center for independent theater in Bochum. However, a lack of state funding currently indicates regional financial constraints.

Outlook: Culture as an Investment in the Future

The decisions made in February show that Bochum is consciously shaping its cultural identity. The support for the independent scene, the safety concept in the music school, and the museum innovations are steps toward a culturally vibrant and safe city. At the same time, it becomes evident that political differences and financial constraints can complicate implementation.

In the coming months, it will be particularly interesting to observe how the Bochum Cultural Institutions shape the future with their mid-term planning until 2030—and whether the Christ-King Church will indeed become a new cultural catalyst.