The interplay between government and artists and between politics and culture, especially as it relates to the avant-garde and the public, is the topic of this Inter Nationes forum, held jointly with the Center for Journalistic Studies at the University of Giessen and the Federal Mission of Rhineland-Palatinate. As Dr. Bernhard Vogel, president of the Bundesrat and minister-president of the Rhineland-Palatinate illustrates in "Government Promotion of the Arts: Aiming for a Broad Impact or Focusing on the Avant-Garde?" the states' (Laender) and local authorities account for over 90 percent of the spending on cultural matters, and this local autonomy helps to promote a wealth and diversity of German culture. The government must not move too slowly or be afraid to support the avant-garde. In the next paper, "Bridges or a Gap between the Avant-Garde and the Public?" Dr. Ulla Hahn discusses the nature of the avant-garde and its relationship to mainstream art and the general public. This is followed by a presentation entitled "Visual Arts in Public Places: Creating Space, instead of Occupying It," in which Kasper Konig investigates the visual and public dialog that develops when art objects are placed in the public domain. The final paper is called "Schiller, c'est moi: Elitist Theatre at the Tax Payers' Expense?"; in it, Gunther Beelitz reviews the difficulties encountered in the choice and staging of avant-garde or classic plays, and the role of public funding for theater. A summary of the forum discussion period concerning these issues follows. Three songs written by Kristin Horn and performed during the forum are included. (PPB)