Cultural policy review 2023: Three key themes were in focus

The year 2023 was extremely challenging for both artists and cultural policymakers.

The profound changes in society and politics have disrupted the entire field of culture, both in its diversity and complexity.

Three key issues the German Cultural Council in 2023:

AI – Or what is the value of artistic work?

• Will artificial intelligence be able to replace the work of artists?

• Does it merely serve as an aid to simplify repetitive tasks, or is it capable of creating independent works?

These questions not only preoccupied us artists and those dependent on the art market in 2023, but also the German Cultural Council. They will remain relevant in the coming year as well.

The editors of Kunstplaza have addressed this topic in the following articles:

• AI Art – How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Concept of Art
• AI Art – 9 Questions about Artificial Intelligence in Art Answered
• Nightshade – With this new tool, artists are now fighting back against AI companies
• AI art and the copyright debate – US courts make landmark decisions
• Why artists should demand (or are demanding) compensation from AI image generators

One thing is certain: If technology companies use existing works of art to train their artificial intelligence, they should appropriate compensation to the creators and cultural institutions .

Either licenses must be acquired, or the collective remuneration rules in copyright law need to be adjusted. After all, artistic work has its value!

The Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs should finally address this issue in 2024.

• Statement “Artificial Intelligence and Copyright”
• AI focus in issue 4/2023 of Politics & Culture

Minimum fees – a start has been made!

For the past two years, there has been intense debate about whether minimum or basic fees into public funding for the arts . State funding for arts and culture is the responsibility of the federal government, the states, and municipalities.

You have the opportunity to improve the financial situation of artists by setting at least minimum fees. Financial difficulties should not be a reason to forgo such minimum fees.

In 2024, the cultural affairs officers of the cities and municipalities, as well as the state ministers of culture and the Minister of State for Culture, can prove that their announcements are followed by action.

• Statement “Implement basic fees for self-employed people in the cultural sector now!”
• Statements on the implementation of basic fees in the countries (pages 6-8)

Is the cultural sector antisemitic?

's documenta , and in particular the way those responsible dealt with the antisemitic works shown there, has raised the question of how antisemitic the cultural sector is.

In the cultural policy context, there is great uncertainty, as the accusation of antisemitism deeply affects many people. At the same time, there is concern about possible ideological vetting.

The German Cultural Council unequivocally affirms its unwavering support for all Jewish citizens in Germany. Antisemitism has no place in the arts.

Nevertheless, it is also clear that there is a need for discussion regarding the tension between artistic freedom and antisemitism. The Cultural Council definitely wants to have this discussion.

• The German Cultural Council endorses the IHRA definition
• Israel: Mourning, sympathy and solidarity
• Background information: Documenta, Judaism, Israel + Antisemitism

The managing director of the German Cultural Council, Olaf Zimmermann , makes it clear in his own words regarding the handling of these central issues:

2023 was a challenging year for cultural policy. The issues of dealing with AI, preparations for the introduction of nationwide minimum fees for artists, and the insufficient solidarity shown by the cultural sector towards Jews in Germany, who are increasingly threatened, presented significant challenges. I am pleased that we, as the German Cultural Council, succeeded in pursuing a clear and unequivocal line in all these areas. These issues will remain a focus in the coming year. In addition, the European Parliament elections, three state elections, and nine local elections in 2024 will also play a decisive role in shaping artistic freedom in our country. It is crucial to strengthen democratic forces and civil society in order to foster a diverse society. Many people, as well as many cultural institutions, are exhausted after four years of crisis. Now it is essential that we do not despair and tackle the key cultural policy tasks of 2024 together

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.

www.kunstplaza.de

You might also be interested in:

Artificial Intelligence: German Cultural Council publishes groundbreaking position paper on cultural funding: Art and culture as a lifeline and critical infrastructure. Copyright and Artificial Intelligence – Why politicians must act urgently now. AI Art – 9 questions about artificial intelligence in art answered. GEMA is the first collecting society to file a lawsuit against AI providers.