In recent months, Germany has witnessed a growing backlash against diversity initiatives within cultural institutions, a trend that some critics argue is not exhaustion, but a calculated effort to dismantle progress under the guise of neutrality. The shift is especially visible in Berlin’s arts scene, where funding for diversity programs, quotas, and inclusive panels is being rolled back or criticized as ideological overreach.
One flashpoint is the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) cultural centre, where a controversy over a prize judging process exposed how calls for “neutrality” are being wielded to delegitimize marginalized voices. Critics say that “neutrality” in practice often masks structural biases, allowing dominant cultural norms to go unchallenged.
Proponents of diversity argue that the retreat is not merely political but systemic: as institutions tighten budgets or face political pressure, socially progressive programs are the first to be scaled back. Meanwhile, defenders of the new posture claim that a return to “merit-based” programming ensures artistic excellence without ideological agendas.
But many cultural workers see it differently. They warn that the rollback is a strategic erosion of inclusivity, potentially leading to homogenized cultural spaces and fewer opportunities for marginalized creators. In their view, cultural neutrality cannot exist on an even playing field—it will always favor those already heard.