Cultural Policy in the Rhein-Sieg District: Focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Intercultural Exchange in February 2026

Diversity in Focus: Cultural Policy in the Rhein-Sieg District in February 2026

In February 2026, the Rhein-Sieg District was not only the center of sporting and cultural events, but also of political decisions shaping the future cultural landscape. In the Dr.-Franz-Möller-Saal in Siegburg, the Committee for Culture and Sports made important decisions encompassing the funding of regional projects and the adjustment of admission prices for memorials. The debates reflected the will to use culture as a bridge between different population groups.

Cultural Funding: Inclusion and Intercultural Exchange in the Foreground

A key focus of cultural funding was placed on projects supporting social and intercultural integration. For example, the project "Empowered by Action" by the Walberberg Youth Academy was funded with up to 1,000 euros. The project addresses young refugees and provides them with artistic tools to engage in society. Young people develop creative formats such as podcasts or performances, which are later presented publicly.

Another example is the project "Rhein-Sieg Sounds from Mesopotamia" by the association Kurdish Community Rhein-Sieg/Bonn e.V. Here, music-interested adults, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are taught in intercultural workshops—with the goal of holding a public concert at the Siegburg City Museum. These projects show how culture can not only be artistic, but also social and integrative.

Critical Rejections: Where Cultural Policy Shows Its Limits

Not all applications received approval. For example, the application by the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg Art and Education Forum e.V. for funding of the intercultural breaking of the fast was rejected. The reason given: the event focused too strongly on encounters and not sufficiently on artistic practice. This judgment reflects the clear orientation of the Rhein-Sieg District's cultural funding, which places artistic substance and creative forms of communication in the foreground.

Yet this decision also carries a political message: cultural policy must set priorities. While encounters and exchange are important, the promotion of artistic quality remains crucial in order to strengthen the region's cultural identity.

Memorials: Pricing in the Sign of Sustainability

Another important decision was the adjustment of admission prices for the memorial "Landjuden an der Sieg." After a review by the Audit Office, the committee approved a moderate increase in admission prices from April 2026. The aim is to cushion general price increases and ensure the sustainability of the memorial.

The new fee structure, for example, provides 5.00 euros for adults, 2.00 euros for children under 14, and 3.50 euros for reduced rates. For group tours and school classes, the price remains stable. The Friends Association continues to have free admission. This decision underlines how sensitively cultural policy must deal with historical and educational institutions—especially in times when public funds are limited.

Outlook: Culture as a Central Element of Regional Identity

February 2026 shows that the Rhein-Sieg District is consciously using its cultural policy as an instrument for inclusion, diversity, and cultural education. At the same time, the region remains sensitive to the limits of public funding. The decisions of the Culture and Sports Committee not only reflect the current political orientation, but also the expectations of the population—for a culture that is accessible and vibrant not only for a few, but for all.

In the coming months, it will be interesting to observe how these projects establish themselves in the public and which new initiatives will be launched. The cultural policy of the Rhein-Sieg District is a central element for regional identity—and it has shown itself to be diverse and future-oriented in February 2026.