Münsterland Municipal Cultural Conference

In times of change and social challenges, it is crucial to utilise the opportunities offered by regional networks and promote inter-municipal cooperation. Every two years, this conference offers the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues, expand the network and jointly develop future-oriented approaches for a vibrant cultural landscape in Münsterland.

In addition, we continue networking with and between municipalities outside of the biennial conferences with the Municipal Cultural Exchange programme. As requested by the municipal cultural representatives, we will invite them to an online format once or twice a year.

CONFERENCE 2026: WHO DO WE WANT TO HAVE BEEN?

This year's cultural conference focussed on the key question "Who do we want to have been?" Together, we looked at the current challenges of municipal cultural work and reflected on how those responsible for culture today can effectively shape their professional role for the future within the existing scope for action. The focus was on a collegial exchange and joint reflection on central fields of action in municipal cultural practice. In four forums, selected topics were addressed, discussed in a practical manner and illuminated from different perspectives. The programme was opened by an artistic impulse from actor, presenter and speaker Christoph Tiemann.

THE TOPICS 2026

We identified and selected current topics and challenges on the basis of a survey of municipal cultural managers at the end of 2025: Funding through cultural development organisations, audience development, inter-municipal cooperation on projects and democracy in the cultural sector. Participants were able to attend two forums each. The graphic recording by illustrator Janna Schipper shows key results and ideas from the conference.

TO THE PRESS RELEASE (FOLLOW-UP REPORT)

EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICE IN EVENTS

Many of the challenges faced in local cultural work are similar – yet at the same time, exciting new approaches, formats and collaborations are constantly emerging at a local level, which can also serve as inspiration for other local authorities. That is why we asked the participants at the Local Cultural Conference to share their successful arts and culture projects to facilitate peer-to-peer exchange. The result is this collection, which can be expanded over time: