ROSA in Greifswald: New hope for the city's cultural treasure!

ROSA in Greifswald: New hope for the city's cultural treasure!

Just when everyone was worried about the future of the ROSA techno club in Greifswald, an unexpected turn came at the end of the year. The popular club was originally scheduled to close at the beginning of 2026, but the city administration has pledged its support for the cultural institution. This reports fazemag.de. The plans envisage not only continuing to use the premises on Bahnhofsstrasse as a club, but also preserving their cultural purpose. A clear ray of hope at a time when many clubs in Germany are fighting for their existence.

The owner of ROSA, Murat Demirkaya, expressed surprise at this support. The club fulfills an important cultural role in Greifswald, with a family atmosphere and a clear commitment to anti-rightism while promoting cultural diversity. Despite the positive signals, the future remains uncertain. If a building is in need of renovation, investment is essential and a temporary closure of the business remains likely. The challenges ROSA faces reflect the situation of many clubs in Germany, which suffer from economic pressure and inadequate support structures.

The situation of club culture in Germany

A look beyond national borders shows that ROSA is not an isolated case. According to that ZDF club culture in Germany is seriously threatened. The closures of small clubs and festivals are increasing, and club formations have fallen significantly since 2021. Problems such as rising costs and a lack of successors for club operators make it difficult to manage the financial risk. These difficulties are particularly felt in larger cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, where gentrification curbs cultural diversity.

In addition, the Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth (Greens) expressed the social importance of clubs and festivals and announced a festival funding fund worth 5 million euros. But the reality remains sobering: According to the Association of Music Venues in Germany e.V., only 20% of the over 800 applicants were able to receive funding. This raises doubts as to whether there will be serious support for club culture in Germany.

Challenges and solutions

A survey by the Federal Association of Music Venues LiveKomm shows the serious challenges for the clubs. According to the results, over 50% of clubs require government help to maintain operations. TheClubMap reports that not only the rising costs of energy and productions are threatening live culture, but also dwindling demand and loss of sales. Many clubs are considering closing their doors, while 62% are forced to adapt their programming. The revenue often does not generate profits and ticket prices rise to cover fees.

The future of club culture in Germany is hanging in the balance. The survival of ROSA in Greifswald is currently a glimmer of hope, but without comprehensive support from politicians, the long-term salvation of many clubs remains uncertain. The community is asked to protect cultural treasures and give them the space they need. If the clubs are no longer only supported economically but also culturally, perhaps that is the way to preserve the diverse and creative oases of nightlife.