The Programme

During the current orientation phase of the programme “Übermorgen – Neue Modelle für Kulturinstitutionen”, the German Federal Cultural Foundation is supporting 50 cultural institutions and local authorities as they design and plan fundamental structural transformation processes. The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with Bureau Ritter, which serves as the executive partner.

Over a period of eighteen months, from spring 2025 to the end of 2026, the supported institutions are developing future-oriented projects designed to serve as models for the further development of cultural organisations, helping them remain resilient and forward-looking even in times of crisis. In addition to financial support of €50,000, the funding includes an extensive accompanying programme of research trips and academies. A total budget of €4.6 million has been allocated for this first programme phase.

At the two-day Future Forums, the participating institutions meet at different venues to exchange knowledge and jointly advance their projects. Alongside advisory sessions and peer-to-peer dialogue, the programme features expert input and cultural policy discussions on cross-sector themes such as participation and access, the common good and commons, as well as renovation and construction projects.

A series of research trips – tandem excursions for institutional leadership and representatives of municipal cultural policy to five major European cities – also offers the opportunity to engage in professional exchange with international colleagues on the cultural institutions of tomorrow.

The subsequent implementation phase runs from 2027 to 2031. During this period, 10 to 20 pioneering projects will receive funding to put their concepts into practice. Applications may be submitted both by participants from the orientation phase and by institutions and consortia that have not previously taken part in the programme.

A total budget of up to €10 million is available for this five-year period. An international expert jury will recommend funding for the most ambitious and compelling future concepts. Individual funding amounts will range from €300,000 to €600,000. The second phase also includes nationwide public events and a European congress in 2029.

The call for proposals will open in autumn 2026. Full information on the application process and further details of the implementation phase will be published here in early 2026.