ABSTRACT
Based on official document analysis, this chapter takes stock of German digital cultural policy and contrasts it with (a) cultural policy at large and (b) cultural policy responses to temporary crises such as COVID-19. As a rule, digital aspects of cultural policy are modest and not comprehensively documented, which rendered this task reminiscent of chasing ghosts. Overall, digitalisation plays a minor role within German cultural policy, and culture is treated as a minor issue in general digitalisation policy. Arguably, tentative and piecemeal policy regarding digitalisation reflects a broader tension in contemporary German cultural policy. On the one hand, policy is anchored by sacrosanct principles, such as federalism, the freedom of the arts, and a focus on rectifying apparent market failure regarding traditional arts. On the other hand, socio-demographic and technological change, as well as altering attitudes regarding the role of culture in society, keep shifting the goals of and means available to German cultural policy. The chapter concludes with suggestions on how to reinvigorate a public discourse and ensure that German (digital) cultural policy remains sufficiently responsive and resilient.
