Sparkassen finance group
The Sparkassen finance group is the largest non-state promoter of culture in Germany. Its support for the European cultural capital RUHR.2010 – a regionally anchored project in a national and international context – fits in well with its multifaceted targeted commitment to promoting social and cultural projects in general. At the same time its own exhibition of photography entitled "Ruhr Views" deepens its area of support in the visual arts, most particularly artistic photography.
This area is especially prominent, for example, in the work of the "SK Stiftung", the Cologne/Bonn Sparkasse Foundation. The Foundation maintains a photographic collection that includes the August Sander Archive and the archive of negatives taken by Bernd and Hilla Becher. In general the range of sponsorship undertaken by the Sparkassen finance group is as multifaceted as cultural life itself. It supports major high-class international exhibitions like the "documenta" in Kassel alongside regional measures like projects to encourage young artists.
All in all the companies belonging to the Sparkassen finance group distributed a total of 445 million € for social purposes in 2008. This is roughly the same level of support as the previous year. The largest amount of support, 140 million €, is for cultural activities. The next largest area of support is devoted to social commitments like promoting kindergartens and schools, alongside initiatives to support housing projects for senior citizens and promote the integration of foreigners. With a promotion volume of 100 million € the Sparkassen finance group is one of the most important sponsors of social projects. In its position as one of the Olympic Games partners in Germany the Sparkassen finance group is the largest sponsor of sport in Germany after government and regional public bodies. In 2008 80% of the 81 million € devoted to sport was directly given to support clubs and young athletes in the whole of Germany.
For further information and question:
Stefan Marotzke
Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband
Charlottenstraße 47, 10117 Berlin
Telefon: +49 (0)30 20 22 55 110
Telefax: +49 (0)30 20 22 55 119
E-Mail: stefan.marotzke@dsgv.de
Michaela Roth
Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband
Charlottenstraße 47, 10117 Berlin
Telefon: +49 (0)30 20 22 55 112
Telefax: +49 (0)30 20 22 55 119
E-Mail: michaela.roth@dsgv.de