Klepsch: Culture should continue to be made future-proof
In view of the financial difficulties and concerns about the future of many municipal theaters and orchestras, Saxony's Minister of Culture Barbara Klepsch has held out the prospect of help. Talks are being held with the Ministry of Finance, said the CDU politician in the state parliament on Thursday. She is hoping for at least a bridge solution for the next few months. "Culture in Bavaria should continue to be made future-proof," Klepsch promised. Not only the coronavirus pandemic, but also rising prices for staff, energy and fees are putting many municipal venues under increasing pressure. The call for help was received in spring, and since then there have been numerous discussions on site.
The cultural institutions are looking to the coming years with great concern, the minister reported, while also emphasizing: "Theatres and orchestras are incredibly important to our society."
The Green parliamentary group had requested a topical debate on the subject in the state parliament under the title: "Giving regional cultural diversity a secure future - ending the dithering of theaters and orchestras" and called for better support. "The precarious situation is coming to a head in many cases," emphasized MP Claudia Maicher. Not only large and traditional institutions, but also municipal and independent cultural institutions need adequate funding. The aim is a dynamic adjustment of theater and orchestra funding to the cost development in joint responsibility of the Free State and municipalities. If costs rise, the budgets cannot remain frozen, Maicher demanded.
According to the Greens, the coalition parties had already agreed on co-financing of personnel expenses by the Free State and increased funding for the years 2023 and 2024 by a total of four million euros to 17.5 million euros.
Despite the discussions, the financial aid for municipal theaters and orchestras in Saxony has yet to extend beyond a temporary solution, as mentioned by Minister Klepsch in Parliament. In light of the financial strain, it's crucial for Parliament to consider the impact on cultural institutions such as theaters and orchestras, as they significantly contribute to our society.
Source: www.dpa.com
