Fight against right-wing extremism - Goethe President Lentz: Culture for strengthening democracy
The President of the Goethe-Institut, Carola Lentz, emphasizes the importance of international cultural work in response to the strengthening of far-right forces in Europe. "It is bitterly necessary to strengthen democratic forces everywhere," Lentz said at the summer reception of the Goethe-Institut in Berlin.
Culture plays a central role
In the defense of liberal democracies and the strengthening of European unity, not only politics is required. "We also need close connections and cultural exchange between European societies," Lentz said. "Culture plays a central role in this."
Right-wing movements have not focused their attention particularly on the cultural sector. They have attempted to exchange personnel in cultural institutions, remove controversial works from libraries, or cap funding for unwelcome cultural events. In response, more than ever, there is a need for common European efforts and cultural work that brings people together.
Lentz, an ethnologist, has been the honorary head of the Goethe-Institut since November 2020. Amidst severe budget cuts, she announced in February that she would no longer be available for the position when her term ends in November. The new presidial head will be elected by the presidium. The start of her tenure is scheduled for November 19.
Goethe-Institut facing closures
The Goethe-Institut, responsible for German cultural policy abroad with its 158 institutions in 98 countries, is facing restructuring. Several locations are planned to be closed, others will be downsized, restructured, or merged. The budget for 2024 is estimated to be around 432 million Euros, of which 232 million Euros come from federal funds.
- Carola Lentz, the President of the Goethe Institute, underscores the necessity of bolstering democratic forces across Europe in light of the strengthening of right-wing extremism, emphasizing that "it is bitterly necessary to strengthen democratic forces everywhere."
- Lentz highlighted the crucial role of culture in this endeavor, stating that "closer connections and cultural exchange between European societies" are essential for defending liberal democracies and fostering European unity.
- The threat of right-wing movements extending their influence into the cultural sector has become increasingly evident, with attempts to alter personnel in cultural institutions, remove controversial works, and limit funding for unwelcome cultural events.
- Recognizing this challenge, Lentz emphasized the importance of European collaboration in the cultural sphere, arguing that common efforts in cultural policy can help bring people together and counteract the divisive tendencies of right-wing extremism.
- As the head of the Goethe Institute, which is responsible for executing Germany's cultural policy abroad, Lentz is well-positioned to lead these efforts, with 158 institutions in 98 countries advocating for a shared cultural understanding between Germany and the rest of Europe.
