About us

Cultur ‘All asbl

One of Cultur’all’s tasks is to build a network that promotes culture and the arts among disadvantaged target groups. Cultur’all has signed more than 120 agreements with cultural and social institutions.

Economic and
social context

A RICH BUT VERY
UNEQUAL LUXEMBOURG

Inequalities in income and living conditions
Despite a high per capita GDP, data (reports from STATEC, LISER, Caritas) show that 18.1% of the population lives below the poverty line (2024).
Fixed expenses (housing, energy, transport) consume up to 60% of the disposable income (2023 figure) of households in precarious situations.

Massive underutilization of social benefits
Up to 80% non-take-up of certain benefits (rent subsidy, figures from Liser 2022 https://www.csl.lu/app/uploads/2024/02/24-02-19-rapport-liser-non-recours_final.pdf), linked to complexity, stigmatization and psychological exhaustion.

Young people and students particularly at risk
In Luxembourg, young people between the ages of 15 and 18 need EUR 593 or even EUR 698 per month to live a decent life with their parents (food, clothing, mobility, social life, education). These are the results of the minimum budget calculated by STATEC for young people in 2021. Social assistance is often not available to students (no REVIS, insufficient grants).

Weakened mental health and isolation
The reports by Caritas and STATEC (studies from 2022 and 2023) emphasize the link between poverty, isolation and mental health: precarious living conditions undermine self-confidence, inhibit participation in community life and impair well-being.

Challenges related to multiculturalism and exclusion
In 2024, approximately 47.5% of the population living in Luxembourg were foreigners.

  • This highlights a feeling of cultural isolation experienced by many foreign residents living in precarious conditions.
  • Underlines the lack of access to intercultural meeting places, Luxembourgish culture and inclusive activities. (SOPEMI report 2024)
  • Statements by migrants who say they do not feel ‘entitled’ to participate in local cultural life for fear of not understanding anything and ‘not belonging’. (Caritas Forum 2023)
  • Despite a wide range of cultural offerings, the participation of foreign residents in subsidised activities remains very low, particularly in the areas of performing arts, museums and media libraries (report ‘Cultural Life in Luxembourg’ (2025)

CULTURAL CHALLENGES AND THE ROLE OF CULTUR’ALL

Culture is an important lever for social cohesion and mental health. The Kulturpass is a response to the dual social and cultural divide, and Cultur’all embodies an important interface between social and cultural policy.

STRATEGIC LINKS TO CULTUR’ALL AND THE CULTURE PASS

The Kulturpass = a unique tool that addresses two divides:

  • Social divide (economic insecurity and administrative barriers).
  • Cultural divide (unequal access to venues and participation).

Cultur’all, mediator and link. We already play a key role as a ‘bridge’ between social policy (FNS, Croix-Rouge, social services) and the cultural sector (theatres, museums, festivals). A cross-sectoral anchoring. The data shows how urgently necessary it is to disentangle the different ministries (employment, health, education, culture).

Cultural participation is not just a question of the artistic field: it is an essential factor for well-being, public health, social cohesion and democracy. It strengthens social bonds, promotes creativity, combats isolation and often offers marginalised people a space to express themselves. It also promotes intercultural understanding, which is essential in a pluralistic society such as Luxembourg.

In a wealthy country such as Luxembourg, it should not be forgotten that almost one in five inhabitants lives below the poverty line. This sometimes-invisible precariousness also leads to exclusion from cultural life. The Kulturpass makes it possible to combat this inequality in a concrete way by guaranteeing effective access to culture for the most disadvantaged groups of the population.

In this respect, the Kulturpass project goes beyond the remit of the Ministry of Culture. It is part of an inter-institutional collaboration and could usefully mobilize the following bodies:

  • the Ministry of Health, given its role in mental health prevention and the promotion of well-being.
  • the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, to strengthen the participation of young people and education for cultural citizenship;
  • the Ministry of Family, Solidarity, Cohesion and Integration in relation to social policy and integration.
  • the Ministry of Housing, to reach disadvantaged population groups who are often excluded from traditional cultural offerings;
  • the Ministry of Sport, in the context of the development of the future Sport Pass.

This project thus stands at the intersection of various ministries and is an effective tool for inclusion, equal opportunities and sustainable human development. It is aimed at ministries and local authorities that want to contribute to a more just, inclusive and diverse society. The Kulturpass is not just a cultural project, but a social project that deserves cross-sectoral, strategic and sustainable support.

Team

Luis Santiago
General Coordinator and Socio-Cultural Mediator
Luis Santiago
Marianne David
General Coordinator responsible for communication and finance
Marianne David
Aida Ramdedovic
Administrative assistant
Aida Ramdedovic

Members of the
Board of Directors

Anne Reding, Chair
David Fraselle, Vice-President
Elvira Mittheis, Treasurer
Nicolas van de Walle, Secretary
Josy Holcher, Member of the Board of Directors
Lena Batal, Member of the Board of Directors
Nadine Erpelding, Member of the Board of Directors (Ministry of Culture)
Pablo Chimienti, Member of the Board of Directors
Susana Rodrigues, Member of the Board of Directors
Sylvie Martin, Member of the Board of Directors
Vanessa Cum, Member of the Board of Directors

History

The idea for the Culture Pass was born in May 2007 during a seminar organised by the Institute for Social Education (IFS) in collaboration with associations such as ATD Quart Monde, CLAE, Femmes en détresse, Stëmm vun der Strooss and SeSoPi. People living in precarious circumstances shared their experiences and gave a voice to those who are all too often marginalised.

This exchange led to the formation of a working group which, with the help of Forum Culture(s), drafted a joint text – ‘Diversité et droits culturels’ (Diversity and Cultural Rights) – proposing the establishment of a non-profit association modelled on those in Belgium (Article 27) and Austria (Hunger for Art and Culture).

Cultur’all a.s.b.l. was founded in December 2008, and in January 2010, the Kulturpass was launched: a simple and effective tool for providing equal access to culture for all people in Luxembourg, in collaboration with cultural institutions.

Between 2014 and 2019, 6,500 Culture Passes were issued. Kulturpass holders purchased around 19,000 tickets at a price of €1.50. On average, a Culture Pass holder used their pass three times to attend a cultural event organized by one of our 75 cultural partners.

The Ministry of Culture’s 2018–2028 Cultural Development Plan fully recognizes this approach today and promotes the further development of the Kulturpass.

Considering the pandemic, Cultur’all has increased the visibility of the Kulturpass (social networks, newsletters) and continued its digitisation, while at the same time consolidating cultural partnerships to ensure the continuity of the project.

These years were marked by a significant expansion of the eligibility criteria for the Kulturpass and a sharp increase in the number of beneficiaries and partners. Initial concrete considerations regarding a Sports Pass were also made.

The Kulturpass confirmed its role as a key instrument for access to culture: 5,542 passes were issued, and a record-breaking 9,823 tickets were sold at 110 cultural partners. The association built up a network of 50 social partners and intensified its cooperation to reach an ever-wider audience and thus reduce cultural inequalities.

In 2024, 5,513 Kulturpasses were distributed, demonstrating stable demand and public confidence. With 11,510 tickets sold and 115 cultural partners and 55 social partners still on board, the project confirmed its impact and began a rebranding and complete digitalisation process. These initiatives pave the way for the development of a future sports pass to further expand access to culture and sport.

2025: A decisive year and the 15th anniversary of the Kulturpass!

The Kulturpass celebrates its 15th anniversary with a complete rebranding and the expansion of the team to four people. Thanks to renewed support and a doubling of the budget by the Ministry of Culture (€321,000), the project gains new momentum and is recognised as essential for equal access to culture.

At the same time, discussions about extending the pass to include sports are progressing: a debate in the Chamber of Deputies with Mandy Minella and a feasibility study by Sports Minister Mischo demonstrate the strong momentum towards achieving cultural and sporting inclusion for all.

The Kulturpass is not just a cultural project, but a social project that promotes a vibrant culture accessible to all.

Our tasks at Cultur’all

Cultur’all asbl – our name says it all:
Art and culture should be accessible to all!
Cultur’all is committed on several fronts to ensuring equitable access to culture.

Raising awareness among society and decision-makers of Article 27.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines the right to free participation in cultural life.

Facilitating access to culture for people who are excluded from it, through the Kulturpass.

Promoting the active participation of people in precarious life situations, not only as spectators but also as actors in cultural life.

Promoting cultural diversity and fostering dialogue between cultures and social milieus.

At Cultur’all, we are convinced that culture is a right and a vital need for every human being. No one should be excluded from it. Because culture is also a force for combating poverty, creating cohesion and valuing every identity.

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