Im Osten nichts Neues? Eine Tour durch ostdeutsche Popkulturen

Hosted at the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei, Pop-Kultur Festival 2025 turns its attention to pop-cultural free spaces in East Germany and the challenges they face today. Social upheavals and the rise of the far right are reshaping realities on the ground, confronting dedicated cultural actors with fundamental questions: how can culture hold its ground where it is most needed? And what social impact can it have?

In talks, panels and concerts, musicians, promoters and scene activists will share their experiences, perspectives and strategies. How do creative spaces for cultural and social engagement emerge outside urban centres? How much resistance is rooted in subculture? And how can colourful pop culture counter the cliché of the »brown East«?

Pop-Kultur aims to shine a light on what grows beyond the media spotlight: open scenes, creative islands, meeting places. And it opens a debate about the potential and future of cultural work – as a force for resilience, social cohesion and diversity.

Featuring Bela Bender, Serkan Deniz, Ludwig Domrös, Isabel Eißmann, Franziska Gottschling, Selma Juhran, Jenny Kretschmar, Manja Präkels, Anne Runge, Nils Schumacher, Jana Sotzko, Juliane Streich, Superbusen, Jens Uthoff and Sam Zamrik and more.