Independent Culture Scene

In contrast to the major established cultural institutions like the theater or museums, the so-called “independent culture scene” is, per definition, open. This means that it is accessible to those topics, people, and artistic or aesthetic forms of expression that do not always find a place within the established cultural institutions. Through independent theater troupes, musical bands or art initiatives, alternative narratives and patterns of interpretation of the urban and social reality can be analyzed. However, access to funding and venues is not egalitarian, which has a significant influence on the quality and continued existence of companies, groups and initiatives. In addition, it is basically impossible to draw a clear defining line around the “independent scene” because many initiatives would not be able to exist without public or even institutional funding or the direct affiliation with public establishments like schools, music schools or community centers. This includes the countless cultural initiatives and productions that form and find their audience around self-organized migrant organizations.