Since 1987, the Hanns Seidel Foundation has been supporting singer-songwriters and song poets, especially talented young artists. This may seem odd for a political foundation, but fostering culture is also one of the foundation's aims. Originality, a high level of quality, variety of artistic expression and of course enjoying music are criteria for the annual granting of the "Patronage Award for Young Song Poets".

Since introducing the award, over 2,000 young musicians have participated in the event. Many of the award holders have been able to make their mark in the music scene. The prizewinners have the opportunity to present their musical talent on the open-air stage of the event "Songs on a Summer's Evening" to a large radio and television audience on the meadows of the Banz Monastery in Bad Staffelstein, a town in Upper Franconia.