The Wredow Art School has successfully navigated significant organizational and financial challenges following a landmark Federal Social Court ruling known as the Herrenberg judgment. The institution managed to preserve its diverse cultural programming despite facing substantially higher operational costs, marking a significant achievement for educational institutions across Brandenburg.
In 2024, the art school undertook a major restructuring by converting all freelance instructor contracts into employment relationships that include mandatory social insurance benefits. This transformation was required following the court ruling, which affected educational institutions throughout Germany. Mayor Steffen Scheller, who serves as deputy curator of the Wredow Foundation, acknowledged that while this transition presented enormous challenges for many educational facilities, Brandenburg was able to successfully overcome these obstacles.
The school's leadership prioritized maintaining the breadth and quality of its cultural offerings despite the increased financial burden. This goal was achieved through extensive coordination efforts between the municipal cultural administration and state government officials. School officials worked closely with various stakeholders to ensure that programming would continue without significant disruptions to students and the community.
To address the increased operational costs, course fees were adjusted beginning with the new school year. The hourly rate was raised from 3.13 euros to 5 euros per hour, representing a significant increase necessary to maintain financial sustainability. Foundation Managing Director Klaus Lietze emphasized that the transition initially raised serious questions about the institution's financial viability.
Despite these concerns, the art school received substantial support from multiple sources throughout the transition period. Both the city government and state authorities provided crucial backing, while state politicians and the Association of Music and Art Schools of Brandenburg offered additional assistance. This collaborative approach proved essential in ensuring the school's continued operation.
Art School Director Tobias Öchsle explained that a comprehensive review of the organizational structure was necessary to balance the budget effectively. The restructuring process required careful analysis of all operational aspects to ensure long-term sustainability while maintaining educational quality. The school committed to continuing its partnerships with local schools and kindergartens, recognizing these collaborations as vital community connections.
Through the implementation of these various measures, the Wredow Art School successfully resumed normal course operations at the start of the 2025/2026 school year. The institution's ability to adapt to new regulatory requirements while preserving its educational mission demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative problem-solving between educational institutions and government authorities.
