Cultural work in rural areas takes on particular significance in times of ongoing structural change. Beyond the cultural offerings of neighbouring towns, dedicated initiatives and structures have developed in many places, contributing to the sustainable development and revitalisation of the region in an authentic and identity-building way. This makes the direct involvement of local people increasingly important. Cultural actors are increasingly taking responsibility for local issues and concerns, making a distinctive contribution to an active community and democratic coexistence at a local level. From the perspective of the Oder-Spree district, cultural life in the region is indispensable for the forward-looking development of the district, the local area and tourism.
A key criterion for potential project funding is that artistic and cultural projects have a regional impact and are clearly comprehensible in terms of content, structure and funding. All questions regarding the content and practical aspects of the application should therefore be clarified in good time in consultation with the district’s Culture and Sport Office. Applicants are expected to make a contribution of their own funds, and some form of financial contribution at local council level is also expected.
From this year onwards, the deadline for submitting applications for projects in the coming year with a grant amount exceeding €1,500.00 is 30 October 2026. Applications for projects in the first half of 2027 with a grant amount of up to €1,500.00 must also be submitted by 30 October 2026, and for the second half of the year by 31 May2027.
Application documents and the relevant funding guidelines can be found on the Oder-Spree district council’s website: https://www.landkreis-oder-spree.de/media/custom/2689_1789_1.PDF?1665656055=
So far this year, 107 projects with a total value of more than 387,000.00 euros have already received funding, including around 58 projects requiring funding of up to €1,500 and 47 projects requiring funding in excess of €1,500.
Event notice
On 17 September 2026, interested parties are invited to 4.00 pm at Beeskow Castle for a session on how to prepare a successful grant application. Key questions such as: What makes a good application? What is eligible for funding? What do the assessors look for? Which funding programmes are eligible for potential co-funding? will be explained.
Those interested should please register at kultur-sport@l-os.de. The contact person for cultural and sports funding is Luisa Schönfeld-Weidlich, who can be reached by telephone on 03366 35-2704 or by email at luisa.schoenfeld@l-os.de.