Diversity is the prime focus of our cultural commitment

In line with its self-image and its commitment to Darmstadt headquarters, Merck sustainably promotes local cultural initiatives. Thus a diversity of the arts – including the fine arts, the performing arts and music – is fostered, creating an environment that can be described as inspiring and attractive to live in, for both the citizens of Darmstadt and our employees.

The following presents a selection of projects that are sustainably promoted by Merck: Since 2005, Merck has supported the Darmstadt Days of Photography and, since 2008, has donated the Merck Prize that is awarded to outstanding photographic artists.
Every year, the Deutsche Akademie für Sprache und Dichtung (German Academy for Language and Poetry) awards the Johann Heinrich Merck Prize for literary essays, which is donated by Merck and awarded along with the Georg Büchner Prize.

Since 1999, Merck has partnered with the Centralstation, sponsoring jazz concerts in the scope of which famous jazz musicians from around the world have performed in Darmstadt. In 2010, the collaboration was extended by the festival “Merck-Sommerperlen”.

In addition to music, Merck is also dedicated to theater like the halbNeun-Theater. Our range of sponsorship activities also includes exhibitions, for instance at the Hessisches Landesmuseum (state museum) and at the Jazz Institute, as well as various other projects. Our cultural commitment is rounded off by smaller activities. These include Stromer, Theater Curioso and scholarships for participants of the Textwerkstatt.