Jena continues to provide funding for culture to support investment and new projects

Whether it is a matter of launching new cultural initiatives or facilitating necessary investments, cultural practitioners in Jena can continue to count on targeted support from the city in the future. On 11 November 2026, the City Council resolved to extend the validity of Part C of the funding guidelines, ‘Investment and Start-up Funding’ – which has been on trial since September 2025 – by two years. Funding is subject to budgetary approval and will be granted within the limits of available resources.

The positive response to the funding scheme demonstrates that it meets a specific need within Jena’s cultural landscape. Between September 2025 and September 2026, a total of 20 projects were supported. The funding complements existing municipal cultural funding schemes and is aimed in particular at projects that are not covered, or only inadequately covered, by other funding programmes.

“A diverse cultural landscape requires not only long-term funding, but also opportunities to spark new ideas and facilitate necessary investment. The experience gained during the first year of the scheme shows that we are meeting an important need with this funding programme. That is why we are continuing it whilst at the same time further developing the procedures,”

says Johannes Schleußner, Head of the Culture Department.

Greater clarity for applicants

At the same time, it has become apparent that certain procedural issues need to be regulated in greater detail. Supplementary implementing provisions are therefore to be drawn up. These are intended to explain clearly which eligibility criteria apply, which expenditure is eligible for funding and what supporting documentation is required. The assessment and evaluation of funded projects are also to be regulated in greater detail within these provisions. The aim is to create a transparent and clear process that keeps access to funding as straightforward as possible.

The drafting process will draw on previous experience, recommendations from the Audit Office and feedback from the cultural sector. The review of supporting documents for the projects funded in 2026 will also be taken into account.

The implementing provisions are to be submitted to the Culture Committee in the second quarter of 2027 for discussion and decision-making. This will link the extension of funding to a further development of the funding procedure.