Pillar 2:
Ecological transition in the field of culture

Priority 14:
Strengthening cultural and artistic diversity

The city of Cologne established a dedicated department for cultural participation in 2018 to strengthen its long-term commitment to inter- and transcultural diversity, inclusion, gender equality, LGBTQI+ visibility, and other socially relevant issues.

The department serves as a central structure for developing and implementing policies that promote equal access to culture for all residents. Cultural funding in the field of diversity is designed with multiple objectives, supporting both artists and audiences, and encouraging projects that reflect the city’s multicultural reality.

At its core, Cologne aims to highlight and celebrate the value that a diverse society and a vibrant, pluralistic cultural landscape bring to the city’s identity and development.

Building on this foundation, in 2023 the city introduced a comprehensive concept for cultural participation in diversity, applicable across all municipal cultural organisations.

The concept was informed by a series of workshops where staff members discussed key themes such as accessibility, inclusive programming, organisational structures, and artistic creation.

These sessions provided valuable insights into how institutions can embed diversity and participation into their everyday work, ensuring that the cultural life of Cologne remains open, representative, and responsive to its diverse population.