Cultural Policy in Gelsenkirchen: March 2026 in Focus

Cultural Policy in Gelsenkirchen: March 2026 – Topics, Decisions and Debates

Culture is more than just leisure – it is identity, expression, and a bridge between people. In March 2026, several central cultural topics were on the agenda in Gelsenkirchen, with potential far-reaching consequences in terms of both content and finances. The Committee for Culture and Urban Scene met on March 11, 2026, in the cultural space "die flora," and addressed the handling of critical incidents, the financing of international projects such as Manifesta 16 Ruhr, and the future of municipal cultural offerings.

The "Causa Hallender Hass" – Criticism and Review

A central topic was the so-called "Causa Hallender Hass" within the context of the light art festival "Goldstücke." The installation by artist Melisa Kujević, which had initially been positively evaluated, was ultimately not displayed. The artist viewed the rejection as a violation of artistic freedom and requested a legal review. The city administration justified the decision with the "state's obligation to neutrality" and the timing in relation to the mayoral runoff election. The SPD city council faction demanded a detailed status report, which was presented in March.

The discussion revealed tensions between artistic freedom and administrative responsibility. Questions were raised regarding communication with the artist, the divergence between the curator and the administration, and the transparency of future festival processes. The committee called for improved processes to avoid such controversies in the future.

Manifesta 16 Ruhr: Culture as an International Platform

Another highlight was the preparation for Manifesta 16 Ruhr, which will take place from June 21 to October 4, 2026, in twelve vacant post-war churches in the Ruhr region. Gelsenkirchen is one of the four host cities and will house the headquarters in Ückendorf. The committee unanimously approved the allocation of 50,000 euros to finance the project. The funds will be drawn from the preliminary budget, as the final budget decision will be made in the following year.

Manifesta 16 Ruhr addresses the role of church buildings as venues for social interaction and artistic intervention. Despite the significance of the project, Gelsenkirchen has not proposed any church buildings for the event. Nevertheless, the city will be integrated into the overall project through the headquarters and other events. The regional importance of the event underscores Gelsenkirchen's position as a cultural platform.

Ticket Price Increase at the Municipal Cinema (KoKi)

Another discussed topic was the increase in ticket prices at the Municipal Cinema (KoKi). Prices were raised to 7.50 euros (standard) and 6.50 euros (reduced). For holders of the GE-Pass, the entrance remains low at 4 euros. The price adjustment was made due to increased operating costs and to align with the pricing level of the Schauburg Filmpalast. Additionally, a surcharge of 1 euro for films longer than 135 minutes was introduced to ensure the economic stability of the cinema spaces.

The decision received mixed reactions. While some welcomed the desire for financial sustainability, others expressed concerns regarding the accessibility of cultural offerings. The committee emphasized that the KoKi still offers lower prices than the regular program and that ticket revenues remain entirely with the Schauburg Filmpalast.

Support for Young Artists and Rehearsal Spaces

Within the context of inquiries, topics such as rehearsal spaces and performance opportunities for young musicians were also discussed. Gelsenkirchen has the Consol4 Music Rehearsal Center with 39 spots, which is used by over 50 bands. In addition, rooms at the municipal music school can be used. An expansion of municipal rehearsal spaces is currently not planned. Instead, private providers and the Cultural Sites Register are referenced.

Performance opportunities for young musicians and artists are available, especially in the form of smaller formats such as Cultural Picnic or Cultural Track. However, large festivals have high requirements, which is why the city also emphasizes the support of smaller, protected performance settings. Funding applications can be submitted to the Department of Culture, and support in the approval process could create additional opportunities.

Outlook

March 2026 was an intense month for cultural policy in Gelsenkirchen. The topics ranged from the review of critical decisions to the financing of international projects and the future of municipal cultural offerings. The debates show that culture in Gelsenkirchen is not just an offering but also a space for discussion on societal values, transparency, and financial sustainability. The coming months will show whether the adopted measures lead to a sustainable and inclusive cultural policy.