Germans across the country are active in more than 1,000 friends of culture groups and societies supporting local cultural institutions. They collect money for and place their knowledge at the disposal of such institutions. In times when public budgets are tight, theatres, museums, concert halls and libraries have come to rely on this voluntary work.

Support is needed for this work. That is why the Stiftung Zukunft Berlin's Friends of Culture Forum is endeavouring to promote civic engagement in such groups and societies. The symposium "How to Make Friends…", which is held regularly by the Stiftung in Berlin, has established itself as a meeting place and contact forum for friends of culture groups across Germany.