Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Kulturinitiativen und soziokulturellen Zentren in Baden-Württemberg (LAKS) e. V.

The LAKS Baden-Württemberg e. V. is the umbrella organization of 78 independently operated socio-cultural centers in the state. Since its founding in 1982, with its headquarters in Karlsruhe, it represents the political, financial, and organizational interests of these cultural initiatives vis-à-vis the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts (MWK) and municipal bodies. LAKS advises and networks its members, processes and annually recommends applications for state funding, and takes positions on key issues such as cultural participation, sustainability, and inclusion.

LAKS is committed to strengthening socio-cultural activities in Baden-Württemberg by promoting culture by everyone for everyone. Its mission is to give socio-cultural centers a voice, to embed democratic fundamental values in cultural work, and to sustainably support cultural initiatives through consulting, networking, and funding advice.

The funding and advisory services of LAKS are aimed at non-profit cultural initiatives and socio-cultural centers under private, independent, and autonomous sponsorship in Baden-Württemberg. Prerequisites include a minimum of three years of activity, a cross-disciplinary public program, and municipal co-financing from the cultural budget.