Carouge Cuts Funding to Geneva's Théâtre de l'Alchimic Amid Financial Irregularities

The city of Carouge has cut off funding for the Théâtre de l'Alchimic, a prominent Geneva theater, citing a breakdown in trust and serious financial mismanagement. The decision means the theater will no longer receive its annual subsidy of 400,000 Swiss francs.

Carouge officials stated that they cannot renew the subsidy agreement due to a "rupture of institutional trust and in respect of the proper use of public funds." The city pointed to "significant administrative and financial irregularities" within the theater's operations since late 2023, including high staff turnover and persistent governance issues. Despite efforts like an external audit and the creation of a working group, the city regrets that these measures failed to resolve the situation.

Describing the situation as "repetitive and dysfunctional" with "no way out," Carouge has opted to cease funding. The city acknowledged the Alchimic's importance to Geneva's alternative arts scene, noting its intimate 100-seat venue often plays to a full house. The theater, established in a former cinema in 2005, now faces an existential crisis as it grapples with the loss of its primary financial support.