Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft, Kultur und Tourismus

The Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK) is a supreme state authority of the Free State of Saxony, headquartered in Dresden. In the area of science, it promotes research and teaching at universities, exercises technical and administrative supervision over libraries and non-university research institutions, and supports the development and maintenance of research infrastructure. In the area of culture and tourism, the ministry is responsible for the preservation of cultural heritage, the promotion of visual and performing arts, remembrance culture, and industrial heritage. At the same time, it coordinates tourism policy, tourism marketing, destination development, and sustainable tourism. Among the institutions under its supervision are the Dresden State Art Collections, the Saxon State Theatres, the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony, and the State Office for Archaeology.

Our mission is to sustainably strengthen scientific excellence, cultural diversity, and tourism appeal in the Free State of Saxony. We promote innovative research projects, support the ongoing development of universities, and simultaneously assist artists in their endeavors. Through strategic tourism concepts and the Tourism Master Plan, we create framework conditions that foster economic growth and cultural exchange. In doing so, we rely on close collaboration with universities, research institutions, cultural organizations, and tourism partners to position Saxony as a location for first-class science, vibrant culture, and responsible tourism.

The funding program of the SMWK is aimed at universities, colleges, universities of applied sciences, and non-university research institutions, as well as artists, museums, theaters, associations, and cultural initiatives. In the tourism sector, municipal and private tourism associations, destination developers, and providers of sustainable tourism offerings benefit. Applicants may be public and private institutions, cultural and scientific organizations, as well as civil society organizations that plan and implement projects in the fields of research, teaching, art, culture, and tourism.