Less Uptake of Youth Culture Pass in Niedersachsen, Steady Use in Bremen
In 2023, the German government introduced the "Kulturpass" (Cultural Pass) to encourage cultural participation among young adults. The pass provided an initial €200 to individuals turning 18 in 2023, which could be used to purchase tickets for concerts, cinema, exhibitions, books, or records.
Utilization in Niedersachsen and Bremen
In Niedersachsen, 21,200 young people had registered for the Kulturpass by the end of 2023, while in Bremen, the number was around 1,900. However, overall utilization of the Kulturpass decreased in 2023 compared to 2022.
The Nutzungsquoten (utilization rates) were not disclosed by the Federal Government. Based on approximate figures, the proportion of young people born in 2006 who used the Kulturpass is estimated to be around one-third.
Reasons for Decline in Usage
The German government suggested two possible reasons for the drop in utilization:
- Reduced budget: The Kulturpass initially had a budget of €200 per person, which was reduced in 2023.
- Challenges in PIN reset: In 2023, renewing PIN codes for accessing the Kulturpass required visiting a local citizens’ office. This posed a significant hurdle for many eligible individuals. An online banking identification system was later introduced to simplify access.
Popular Use of Kulturpass
Books were the most popular purchase category for the Kulturpass. In Niedersachsen, books accounted for approximately 130,000 redemptions, while in Bremen, it was around 16,500.
Cinema visits were the second most common use, with a combined total of around 96,000 in both states. Concerts, stage shows, museum and park tickets, and musical instruments, recordings, and sheet music also accounted for a significant portion of Kulturpass usage.
Economic Impact
The redeemed Kulturpass reservations in Niedersachsen amounted to a total value of around €4.6 million, while in Bremen, the value was approximately €640,000.
Future of the Kulturpass
The continuation of the Kulturpass is contingent on the decision of the newly formed Federal Government. Culture Minister Claudia Roth has expressed her support for extending the program.
