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Munich (dpa) - The initiative "Stand up for art" wants to move to the Bavarian Constitutional Court because of the closure of theaters and opera houses in the corona lockdown.

"We want to file a popular lawsuit in the middle of the week because we want basic clarity," said opera singer Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke of the German press agency.

"The planned general opening steps show perspectives for the theaters, but from our point of view they are still unconstitutional because they are incidence-dependent and are subject to numerous conditions that other areas are not expected to be."

The initiative sees art unlawfully restricted in its constitutionally guaranteed freedom.

"We see a constitutional imbalance, especially in relation to religion and industry," said Ablinger-Sperrhacke.

At the end of February, the initiative, supported by star violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, conductor Kent Nagano, opera singer Rolando Villazón, actors Senta Berger, Edgar Selge and Johanna Wokalek, and songwriter Konstantin Wecker, promised an urgent motion which she intends to submit to the Bavarian Administrative Court in due course.

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"The urgent application is ready for action at any time, it is ready," said Ablinger-Sperrhacke.

"We make that dependent on the extent to which the openings come as announced - or are withdrawn again."

Bavaria's Art Minister Bernd Sibler (CSU) had previously announced that he wanted to "move away from rigid audience numbers" when theaters, concert and opera houses were opened from March 22nd.

"The maximum number of spectators allowed will depend on the local conditions as well as compliance with the prescribed minimum distance and common hygiene requirements," he said.

Details are still being worked out.

On March 4, 2021, the Bavarian cabinet decided that theaters, concert halls and opera houses can open from March 22, if the 7-day incidence has not exceeded 100 for at least 14 days and the development of the infection rate is stable or is declining.

If the incidence is between 50 and 100, visitors must present a daily, negative Corona quick test or self-test, which the houses can also offer to their audience at the entrance.

If the incidence is stable below 50, no tests are necessary, according to the Ministry of Art.

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“Of course, we welcome the fact that there is no general limit of 200 spectators - regardless of the location.

Nevertheless, it has to be clarified in principle where artistic freedom stands, ”said Ablinger-Sperrhacke.

"Religion did not have to endure it to this extent - and we are on the same level in terms of the Basic Law."

The Bavarian Constitutional Court may not be the last instance in the matter - the Federal Constitutional Court could also be a target, said the opera singer of the dpa.

“But we first have to go through certain instances.

Art is a matter of the country, but in any case we want to have the importance of artistic freedom completely clarified. "

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210312-99-788924 / 2

Stand up for the art