The state capital of Mainz looks back on a long and eventful history that has always been shaped by cultural events, developments, and impulses. The architectural and cultural heritage of the Roman era, the work of Johannes Gutenberg, a long musical tradition, scientific research at both universities, and public broadcasting institutions make it a lively cultural and media city today.
 
When people talk about culture in Mainz, they quickly conclude that cultural life in Mainz is colorful, lively, and above all, very diverse. The cultural administration network alone comprises more than 200 different institutions, initiatives, and associations. In addition, there are numerous other institutions and individual actors with their own events, as well as the programs of non-cultural associations, federations, and schools, which are also frequently characterized by cultural projects.

The state capital of Mainz supports the diversity of the local and regional cultural landscape by providing financial support for initiatives and institutions as well as projects by private cultural creators, and by advising cultural actors from all sectors on the planning and implementation of projects and the submission of applications to external sponsors. In addition, it maintains support studios on the grounds of the Alte Waggonfabrik (old wagon factory) and awards cultural prizes and scholarships.