"The cabinet proposal to make legal space for longer-term cultural subsidies is good for the innovative power of the sector. It gives more room to break new ground and thus make culture more of and for everyone". This is what Culture Council president Kristel Baele let it be known today in response to the cabinet plans to extend subsidy periods for culture from four to a maximum of eight years.
"We very much welcome the Cabinet proposal for extension to a maximum of eight years. Among other things, in our ordering advice 'Access to culture' we advocated for this," said council president Kristel Baele.
She points out that the proposal leads to a strong administrative burden reduction for subsidised institutions as well as public authorities. Longer financial security also makes institutions more interesting as partners for private funding.
"This greater certainty leads to more room for artistic innovation and daring to experiment, for example by creating stories for new audiences," she predicts. "Artistic talent will flourish more as a result and attract wider audiences."
Kristel Baele understands that some wonder whether a longer maximum funding cycle might actually hinder innovation. "Only, our analysis repeatedly shows that more certainty about funding actually stimulates innovation. People dare to take more artistic risks and to programme for new audiences. In this way, there is a better balance between innovation and strengthening the existing," she reveals.
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The extension does not seem like a solution to me. Now, after eight years, everyone is going to work like crazy to either stay or get in. Entry will become even more difficult and more money will be spent on consultants.
I am in favour of a gradual build-up and phasing-out of grants and a schedule of allocation spread over the years (similar to joining and retiring e.g. RVT members).