Funding and facilitating cultural heritage protection in Germany

Cultural heritage in Germany is spread across archives, libraries and museums of varying sizes and trusteeships. Emergency preparedness lies within the responsibility of these institutions. However, many – especially smaller ones – lack the necessary financial resources and practical expertise. This situation is exacerbated by the growing pressure on cultural budgets in recent years.

In 2010, the German government and the federal states established the Coordination Office for the Preservation of Written Cultural Heritage (KEK). Entrusted to coordinate and
finance the preservation of written materials, KEK’s objectives include strengthening of resilience across Germany’s cultural sector through a comprehensive, multi-risk approach.