Even more cuts to culture?
The Flemish government is once again planning to cut the budget for culture by 10%. This means fewer opportunities for artists, fewer creations, fewer performances and exhibitions, fewer jobs, and organisations at risk of disappearing. In short: an impoverishment of the cultural landscape.
In times of polarisation and a hardening of society, we need connection through art, meaningful encounters, critical and constructive voices, to be seen and heard. Research by Kunstenpunt shows that two out of three people in Flanders believe art contributes to social connection.
While culture costs barely 0.72% of the Flemish budget, its social impact and economic return are many times greater: 89% of Flemish people attend a concert or performance every year, museums welcome 5.2 million visitors, and 2 million amateur artists are active [1]. The cultural and creative sectors account for more than 5% of the gross added value of the Flemish Region [2].
Moreover, this would be yet another blow: in 2004, culture still received 1.99% of the budget, and last year the sector already contributed a disproportionate 13.5% (23 million euros) of the savings. The sector’s financial resilience is stretched to breaking point.
Speak up if you disagree with these cuts. Share the press release, talk about it with those around you, show artists and cultural organisations that you support them, and send a signal to policymakers that cutting culture even further is not a good plan.
Read the press release from De Federatie, oKo and OCE here and help spread it.