Music connects. Art connects. Why RRCGN supports the “sowieso” campaign of the German Music Council

For us, music is much more than the finished piece on a stage. It is the link that brings people together, breaks down prejudices, and creates social cohesion. That is why we at ROOTS & ROUTES Cologne e. V. wholeheartedly support the current “sowieso” campaign of the German Music Council (Deutscher Musikrat).

Strong art is created in safe spaces For over 12 years, we have been involved in international youth work. Impressive artistic productions are created during our projects, residencies, and workshops. However, the most important part of our work—the foundation of these results—is the design of open, discrimination-sensitive spaces. We create places where young people can experiment, engage in genuine exchange on an equal footing, and learn from each other. In our projects, respect and democratic coexistence are actively lived.

The European idea at the center Our membership in the international ROOTS & ROUTES network is enormously important to us in this regard. We live the European idea: time and again, we have the great pleasure of welcoming people from all over Europe and being guests of friends ourselves. From this work, we know exactly what an invaluable asset the exchange with people from different backgrounds and realities of life is. International networks and friendships emerge that go far beyond making music together.

For social cohesion. Sowieso. The “sowieso” campaign makes it clear: music is not a “nice-to-have,” but a cornerstone of a functioning, diverse, and democratic society. Because music and art are precisely the universal languages that carry our international youth work, we fully support the demands of the German Music Council.

We invite our community, partner organizations, and all culture enthusiasts to take a closer look at the campaign and join us in advocating for a strong, accessible music culture.

All information about the campaign can be found here: www.musikrat.de/sowieso