Green light from Dresden: The Saxon Cabinet today approved the agreement on the joint financing of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 and the appointment of the State Government Commissioner for the Capital of Culture.
The agreement regulates the financing by the City of Chemnitz, the Free State of Saxony and the federal government as well as the use of financial resources for the implementation of projects and measures within the framework of the European Capital of Culture 2025 in the coming years.
The Free State of Saxony will provide up to 20 million euros, the federal government up to 25 million euros and the City of Chemnitz at least 21.28 million euros.
Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch emphasises: "The Capital of Culture Chemnitz is not only relevant in terms of cultural policy, but also generates economic and structural momentum for the entire region. For us as an entire Free State, this is a huge opportunity to present ourselves internationally and to network. With this in mind, the Free State of Saxony and the federal government have pledged their respective financial support."
In addition, State Secretary Prof Thomas Popp has been appointed State Government Commissioner for the Capital of Culture. Based in the Saxon State Chancellery, his duties will now include centrally coordinating all matters relating to the European Capital of Culture 2025 within the state government and involving all departments in the work. He is also the central point of contact for the city of Chemnitz for interdepartmental matters and liaises with the federal government.
State Secretary Thomas Popp explains: "The city of Chemnitz, the region and the entire state government will work together to make the European Capital of Culture 2025 a great success. The tasks will be spread across many shoulders: transport, business, science, education and environmental projects will all be part of this major project. To this end, I want to tie the strings within the state government and network the players between the departments. This will make us a reliable and competent partner for the city of Chemnitz and the entire region. I am looking forward to the task of making the radiance of the title we have won visible throughout the Free State and beyond."
The Lord Mayor of Chemnitz, Sven Schulze, is also delighted: "The cabinet's decisions on the financing agreement give us security and reliability for our plans and this is a great signal of support on the way to becoming the European Capital of Culture 2025. We are also pleased that the state government has appointed a high-ranking contact person for the interests of the Capital of Culture with the appointment of State Secretary Thomas Popp in the State Chancellery."
