Cultural Policy in Hagen: Highlights from March 2026

Cultural Policy in Hagen: Highlights from March 2026

Hagen has shown itself to be an active player in Germany's cultural landscape in March 2026. The Cultural and Adult Education Committee discussed key issues shaping the city's cultural identity, financial stability, and the future of its cultural offerings. From exhibition support and budget planning to space allocation – the topics are diverse and illustrate how closely intertwined politics, culture, and community are in Hagen.

Cultural Policy Education: Webtalk Series as an Impulse

One of the central initiatives in March 2026 was the presentation of a five-part webtalk series titled “Understanding Cultural Policy. Shaping the Municipality,” organized by the Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe (LWL) in cooperation with the NRW KULTURsekretariat and other partners. The series is aimed at volunteers in cultural policy and offers practical impulses, exchange, and discussions on current cultural policy challenges.

The webtalks, held via Zoom on Mondays from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., are an example of how Hagen and its partner organizations promote cultural education and participation. Participation is free, and the series is led by cultural policy reporter Peter Grabowski. After each webtalk, a moderated open session is planned to provide space for questions and discussions.

The webtalk series represents a step toward stronger inclusion of volunteer cultural policy in the decision-making process and shows how Hagen embraces its role as a culturally vibrant city.

Budget Planning and Culture: Challenges and Compromises

Another focus of the March session was the discussion of the draft budget for 2026/2027. The Cultural and Adult Education Committee recommended approving the double-year budget in the relevant sub-plans. This process revealed how sensitive the funding of cultural institutions and projects in Hagen is.

In the area of culture and science, Product Area 04, which includes museums, theaters, and education, is of particular importance. Investments of 850,000 euros were planned for the period 2026/2027. Investment activities in 2024 already resulted in a positive balance of 393,624 euros, demonstrating that the city has successfully accompanied investments in recent years.

Budget planning, however, is facing challenges, particularly due to rising inflation, collective labor agreements, and social expenditures. To ensure financial stability, consolidation measures are unavoidable. For example, the city of Hagen plans to increase fees in museums, the music school, and the adult education center to boost revenues. Additionally, cost-saving measures are planned, such as the discontinuation of services or a reduction in project funding.

Space Allocation and Transparency: FDP Inquiry on Museum Operations

The FDP group in the Hagen City Council submitted a comprehensive inquiry regarding the rental of spaces by the Department of Museums and Archives (FB49). The inquiry refers to the years 2023 to 2025 and asks for detailed figures regarding income, frequency of rentals, purposes of use, and criteria for space allocation. Affected spaces include the Osthaus Museum, the Water Castle Werdringen, and the Hohenhof.

The inquiry aims at a transparent and comprehensible administrative practice. The justification refers to the rental regulations of March 9, 2016, and the supplement of November 16, 2020. The response to the inquiry will be written and is intended to highlight criteria such as neutrality, safety, and cultural relevance.

The discussion on space allocation underscores the importance of museum spaces as cultural and social resources. At the same time, it shows how sensitively the use of municipal spaces is assessed in political and financial contexts.

Exhibitions and Theater: Culture as an Impulse

Another highlight was the presentation of the 2026/2027 season plan of the Theater Hagen gGmbH. The season includes a new musical with music by Alanis Morissette, which will have its German premiere in Hagen. In addition, the Theater Hagen plans a cultural project for the anniversary "125 Years Folkwang," developed in cooperation with the Osthaus Museum Hagen.

The Adult Education Center Hagen (VHS) was also in focus, particularly due to the loss of voluntary integration courses by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The cancellation of these courses has significant financial and pedagogical consequences. The VHS now plans to strengthen cooperation with the Local Integration Center to fill the gaps.

Outlook: Culture in Hagen Remains Central

The events of March 2026 show how closely politics, culture, and community are connected in Hagen. The city is investing in cultural infrastructure, promoting education, and relying on transparency and sustainability. At the same time, it is sensitive to financial challenges and the cultural needs of its population.

With the webtalk series, budget planning, and the discussion on space allocation, Hagen has initiated a process of reflection and development. Culture remains a central element of identity and cohesion in Hagen – a process that will be crucial for the city's future in the coming months and years.