Demokratie sowieso!
An initiative for a free cultural life as the lifeblood of our open society
Why did we launch this initiative?
In the run-up to the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin in September 2026, radical forces deliberately attacked artistic freedom, fuelled uncertainty, promoted exclusion and increasingly called fundamental democratic values into question. Through the „Demokratie sowieso!“ initiative, launched by the German Music Council in collaboration with numerous partners, we have countered this with a clear message: in support of a free cultural sector as the lifeblood of our open society.
What was the aim of the initiative?
The aim of the initiative was to raise awareness of the value of cultural diversity and to mobilise people in the run-up to the elections. Particularly in times of cultural and political challenges and social uncertainty, it also sends a clear message of solidarity with musicians, music institutions and civil society actors – especially in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.
© Barbara Meyer-Selinger
When democratic values are under threat, we in the music community must take a stand. Democracy thrives on diversity – and music brings it to life, allowing us to hear and experience it. With ‚Demokratie sowieso!‘, we invite everyone to send a clear message: in support of cultural diversity, the freedom of the arts, and a free cultural scene as the lifeblood of our open society.
President of the German Music Council
Over 1 million people reached, over 100 partner organisations
To mark German Unity Day on 3 October 2026, the German Music Council brought its „Demokratie sowieso!“ campaign to a close Both at the main Unity Day celebrations, which took place this year in Bremen under the motto „VIELE STÄRKEN – EIN LAND“ and across the country at over 215 venues where musical events were held as part of the „3. Oktober – Deutschland singt und klingt“ day of action, it became clear that: The commitment to democratic values, to unity and cohesion remains unbroken and strong.
Since its launch on 10 August 2026, the German Music Council’s „Demokratie sowieso!“ initiative has reached over a million people nationwide on social media. The campaign also had an offline presence through stickers, posters and postcards. Over 100 associations and cultural institutions have joined the initiative and together have taken a stand: for cultural diversity, for the freedom of the arts and for a free culture as the lifeblood of our open society.
Prof. Lydia Grün, President of the German Music Council, emphasises: „The ‚Demokratie sowieso!‘ initiative and the activities surrounding 3 October have shown just how extensive a network music can mobilise across all levels. It is precisely in difficult times that the music community must pull together. For music brings people together and can foster a sense of community, optimism and solidarity. Our stance remains unchanged: music and culture need freedom, diversity and democracy. Especially now, following the 2026 state elections, we must not waver in our commitment to these values.
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who got involved and worked together to raise the profile of our initiative. The new and strengthened connections that have emerged as a result make our network for music stronger and more resilient.“
Further initiatives and useful links
Alongside the German Music Council, many other cultural initiatives are committed to fostering a diverse cultural landscape and democratic coexistence.
- Kultur ist Vielfalt und Heimat - a cultural initiative in Saxony-Anhalt
- Warnung vor nationalistisch ausgerichteter Kulturpolitik in Sachsen-Anhalt findet breite Resonanz - Joint statement on 27 cultural institutions in Saxony-Anhalt
- #stolzaufVielfalt campaign by several cultural organisations
- Kampagne #DeineStimmeFürKultur in the run-up to the 2026 Berlin House of Representatives election, including an overview of cultural policy events
- Election benchmarks for the parties standing in the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, provided by the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Music Council
- Election benchmarks and statements from cultural associations and institutions, as well as the political parties’ responses to the election benchmarks in the run-up to the 2026 Berlin House of Representatives election
- Election benchmarks for democratic parties in the Berlin House of Representatives, provided by the Clubcommission Berlin
- Kirchenmusik 6-8.11. klangvoll vereint für Frieden und Demokratie on the initiative of the Church Music Department of the Diocese of Aachen
- Netzwerk Film und Demokratie - an alliance of associations and organisations from the film and media industry, film and media education, and media culture, which oppose the influence of the far right and right-wing populists on media professionals, media content and media culture
- Demokratie schützen – Brochure, examples and templates for club activities, provided by the BCMO
Support and advice services for victims of harassment
HateAid
If you are affected by digital violence, online hate or online harassment, please contact HateAid. The organisation supports those affected by providing advice, information and legal support to help them assert their rights. In addition, HateAid provides an overview of specialist advice and reporting centres for various forms of digital violence.
WEISSER RING
Are you affected by hate, hate speech or other forms of violence, or are you looking for support? WEISSE RING offers those affected personal counselling, information and practical help – online, by telephone and in person. Those affected by online hate and hate speech can also find support there, as well as guidance on possible next steps.
Hilfe-info.de
Have you been affected by a crime, or are you looking for information about your rights and the support available? At hilfe-info.de, victims, their families and professionals can find comprehensive information on support services, advice centres and other forms of support in Germany.
Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency
Have you experienced discrimination, or are you looking for information about your rights? The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency provides information on statutory protection against discrimination, advises those affected on their options for taking action and, where necessary, refers them to suitable advice centres.
Bundesverband Mobile Beratung (BMB)
Are you looking for support in dealing with right-wing extremism, racism or other anti-democratic incidents? The Mobile Advisory Teams provide independent advice to associations, initiatives, local authorities and other stakeholders across the country, and support them in developing appropriate strategies for action.
Hatefree
Are you affected by digital violence, online hate or online harassment and looking for legal support? Hatefree offers specialist legal advice, assesses possible legal action and supports those affected in asserting their rights.
REspect! im Netz
Have you come across hate speech, incitement to hatred or content that may be relevant to criminal law on the internet? You can report such content to REspect! im Netz. The reporting centre reviews incoming reports, supports those affected and refers cases relevant to criminal law to the relevant law enforcement authorities.
Internet-Beschwerdestelle
Have you come across illegal content or content harmful to young people on the internet? You can report problematic content free of charge and in confidence to the Internet-Beschwerdestelle. Reports are investigated and, where breaches are found, appropriate action is taken.
Das NETTZ – Vernetzungsstelle gegen Hate Speech
Are you looking for information, resources and practical examples on tackling online hate? Das NETTZ – Vernetzungsstelle gegen Hate Speech brings together expertise, promotes digital civic courage and connects stakeholders from civil society, academia, politics and the media who are committed to fostering a respectful and non-discriminatory culture of digital debate.
Initiative Toleranz im Netz
Are you looking for information on reporting centres, support services or educational resources relating to online hate and hate speech? Initiative Toleranz im Netz brings together information, contact points and support services for those affected, their families, teachers and anyone else interested, and offers guidance on dealing with digital violence.
Klicksafe
Are you looking for information on how to use digital media safely and responsibly? The EU initiative klicksafe provides independent information, practical resources and advice for parents, education professionals and anyone who wishes to learn about current online issues and improve their digital literacy.
Neue deutsche Medienmacher*innen
Are you looking for information and practical guidance on tackling online hate? The Neue deutsche Medienmacher*innen offer tips, guides and resources for media professionals, editorial teams and anyone committed to fostering respectful and democratic dialogue in the digital sphere.
Zwischentöne erkennen
Are you looking for support in dealing with extremist tendencies or anti-democratic attitudes within your music society, choir or orchestra? The BMCO leaflet „Zwischentöne erkennen“ offers practical guidance, legal principles, sample wording and checklists to help those in charge and those involved in amateur music foster an open and democratic club culture.
Netzwerk für Demokratie und Courage (NDC)
Are you looking for educational programmes on democracy, discrimination or dealing with misanthropic attitudes? The Netzwerk für Demokratie und Courage offers project days, workshops, training courses and advisory services nationwide for schools, clubs, associations and other target groups.
Partners and Supporters
The German Music Council’s initiative was developed in close collaboration with the agency BOROS. We would like to thank BOROS for their exceptional support during the development and implementation phases.
The following organisations have joined the initiative:
