SHE BRINGS ACTS TO KULA: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH JOHANNE HOMBURGER
KONSTANCE NEEDS CULTURE – KULA DELIVERS
Whether it’s a concert, a theater evening, or a soul session: The Kulturladen (KULA) is a hotspot for anyone who wants to experience music, cabaret, and more live and up close. Managing director and booker Johanna Homburger talks about special concert moments, the importance of culture for society, and the challenges facing the scene. And, of course, she reveals which upcoming events should definitely be on your calendar.
For those unfamiliar with KULA, how would you describe the cultural center?
“KULA is a socio-cultural center with a focus on live music. Our broad program includes events for all ages, from concerts and poetry slams to theater, readings, and parties – there’s something for everyone from three to the late twenties. That’s why different generations often meet here. In addition to our own program, we cooperate with various institutions, organizers, and collectives.”
You host around 100 events annually. What excites you most about organizing cultural formats?
“We all need a break from everyday life sometimes. With us, you can leave your personal backpack at the entrance, clear your head, find fresh inspiration, and make new connections. It’s always important to me to emphasize that the cultural scene is important for the mental health of society. Furthermore, many different people meet at events and share space and experience – these are important, democratizing moments.”
Do you remember a concert at KULA that was an absolute highlight for you personally?
“I have to name two. As a promoter, I was thrilled that Zartmann celebrated the end of his tour with us in spring 2025. As a promoter and fan, I was very excited about a concert by IKAN HYU in 2024 – I consider the Swiss duo one of the best live bands. A concert is highly recommended!”
What role does the local music scene play in the program – for example, to give newcomers from here a platform?
“The local scene is important to us, and it’s great to see that our region has exciting and diverse acts to offer – not just in the live music sector, but also with fantastic DJs. At our annual Open See Festival, four slots are awarded to newcomer acts through a contest. We also offer support slots and have already accompanied album releases and technical rehearsals outside of performances.
Due to the current financial strain facing the entire cultural and event industry, we unfortunately can’t do as much as we would like. But we’re working on creating more opportunities again – and are pleased that the Konstanz City Council has approved the “POPBÜRO” (located in the Cultural Office). This is part of a statewide roadmap, as Baden-Württemberg has committed itself to actively promoting popular music through the “POPLÄND” project. Even though it’s still in its infancy, I see this as an important hub for advancing the field in the region and creating synergies.”
From jazz to indie to hip-hop: How do you select the artists who perform at KULA?
“It’s a mixture of gut feeling, calculation, team decision-making, curiosity, and conviction. We’re a small city with a limited catchment area. That’s why it’s all the more important to offer the broadest possible program: different target groups, different tastes. Some things we simply have to try out – in the best case scenario, they work, or sometimes they fail.”
Which upcoming acts or events should we definitely keep an eye on?
“The entire program is, of course, worth seeing and hearing. The Soul Sessions at the beginning of October are particularly noteworthy – here, regional and national artists meet. In December, Pöbel MC will heat things up, as will the Swiss inclusion project Boxitos, which already impressed us so much at an Open See event that we’re hosting a solo evening. In 2026, you can look forward to, among others, the Berlin punk band 24/7 Diva Heaven, the rapper Megaloh, Max Mutzke with the Matti Klein Soul Trio, or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the folk band Cara.”
How has the audience and the scene changed in recent years?
“Advance ticket sales are always a compass for planning: How many staff do we need, can we even hold the event, or do we have to cancel? The trend is quite clear: guests are planning at increasingly short notice, which poses a high risk for us. We’re also noticing that many no longer have the financial means, and a concert ticket only comes after rent and food. This means that – if money is spent on tickets, it tends to benefit more well-known acts. Simply being surprised has become rarer. Much to the detriment of newcomers and those outside of our usual taste. Furthermore, going-out behavior has changed in general: A few years ago, party events guaranteed a full house and good cash turnover; now even these dates are shaky ground. But things won’t stay the way they are now – they will develop in some direction, and we’re excited to see where this takes us.”
How important are collaborations with other venues and special events such as “Open See”?
“Networking with other venues, institutions, and organizers in the city is important. Ultimately, we all have the same goal, even if our requirements and paths to get there may be different. I don’t believe in competitive thinking, resentment, or isolation. No matter who finds access to culture through which route, they should take it – and ideally, they get to know us all. If we can achieve that together, all the better.
Special events like the Open See Festival naturally give us visibility as a cultural venue. We go places we wouldn’t normally go – namely, to the other side of the Rhine. Since it’s “free & outdoors” and the Stadtgarten is a freely accessible space, participation is truly open to everyone. Here, too, I think this is important for the city’s society and has a positive effect. It’s also a special and exciting challenge for the KULA team – and we won’t get bored.”
How long have you been living or working in Konstanz – and what do you particularly appreciate about the city?
“I was born in Konstanz. After a 15-year break, I returned in the fall of 2023 and have been working at KULA ever since. The city is my absolute favorite place – I can’t really put my finger on why. Perhaps it’s the mix of young and very old, bustling and cozy, vision and history. Some locals from Konstanz can probably relate to that.”
Where do you enjoy live music in Konstanz or the region most when you’re not at KULA?
“Whether it’s the Campus Festival, K9, Contrast, Zimmerbühne, or even in a small, private gallery: there’s a lot going on in Konstanz. Our region has many cultural venues to offer, and a trip to the Swiss neighborhood is also worthwhile – I wish I had more time to explore.”
What does your perfect autumn day in Konstanz look like?
“Definitely with a pause on a bridge and enjoying the view.”
What development do you hope to see for the music and cultural scene in Konstanz in the coming years?
“Above all, I hope that society and the municipality (and beyond, of course) don’t forget the important offerings we offer as a cultural scene. One shouldn’t underestimate the energy released by attending a punk rock show, what one learns while debriefing a theater performance, or how beneficial hours of dancing can be. We are the places that make Konstanz attractive – the lake alone isn’t enough. We are the places where participation, rapprochement, and community are lived. Especially in a time when politics are drifting to the right, it is a fatal mistake to cut corners on cultural issues. I hope that we will all still be here in a few years, that we will be able to freely determine our programs and thus inspire and enrich many people.”
MAGAZINE
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