BUNDESVERBAND SOZIOKULTUR (BVS) — the German association of socioculture!
The Bundesverband Soziokultur (BVS) is a network of 14 regional working groups representing the interests of the 566 German cultural centres through the political and public authorities at the federal state level. The current socio-cultural centres play an important role in the cultural life of Germany. Throughout the year they offer an extensive program of events in their cultural communities, contributing to the promotion of artistic production in the fields of theatre, music, literature, film and visual arts allowing an important part of the society to participate in cultural and political life. The cultural centres are flexible and creative platforms, even in these times of economic tightening measures. The integration of different age groups, social classes and nationalities, supports the development of political and social work. As well as understanding that policy decisions are the basis for the self-conception of cultural institutions, many centres welcome the active and responsible participation of their members. One of the most important objectives of the "Bundesverband Soziokultur" is the recognition of cultural work as a strong component of cultural life in Germany. The federal network ensures information, education, sharing and support. A wide range of publications (e.g. the quarterly members' magazine, SOZIOkultur) as well as cultural policy and administration promote dialogue on the cultural scene.
Since: 1979
Staff members: 40-50
Expertise: Sociocultural work in all its diversity
Target groups: They reach the community in its diversity.
Areas of work: Sociocultural activities & cultural mediation — Artistic activities — Community & civic activities — Art education & other educational activities — Local / regional / national projects — International projects (EU and beyond) / managing EU funds — Event management — Evaluation — Research and publications — Dissemination of information / awareness raising activities — Cultural distribution and promotion — Coordination of a network — Networking / cooperation — Consultancy — Advocacy / Policy — Data collection
Fields of work: All performing and visual arts — All types of design and applied arts — Creative Writing — Amateur art — Development of alternative / non-conventional / innovative art practices
Topics of work: Diversity, minorities, interculturalities & identities / migration & refugees — Fighting discrimination / stereotypes, inclusion, social cohesion & community development —Intergenerational relations & ageing — Children (0-12 years old) — Young people (13-30 years old) — Disabilities & inclusion — Gender & sexual orientation equality —Participation / audience engagement — Impact of cultural activities — Good governance — Cultural management & methods — Cultural policy — Cultural rights — Human rights & Democracy — Conditions of cultural workers, labour right & human resources — Territorial development on local and regional levels as well as in urban and non-urban areas — Development of underused spaces — Revitalisation / activation of public space — European citizenship and identity —Digitalisation — Sustainability — Climate change & environment — Voluntary art / work Gastronomy
EU/International cooperation: START - Create Cultural Change (2015-2020 program supported by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and the Bodossaki Foundation, 3 partners, topic: capacity building and fellowship program for aspiring cultural managers in Greece)
Priorities for the network: Exchange — Advocacy for sociocultural values
