Multi-year funding for culture in Vienna: Final word in autumn

Vienna's cultural sector is abuzz with discussions surrounding new multi-year funding guidelines. While the city's cultural council is set to make final decisions in the autumn, the immediate future of arts funding remains a point of contention.

Concerns were heightened in the theater community upon learning that multi-year grants might be significantly reduced under the new policies. However, Cultural Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler announced two exceptions shortly before the guidelines were to be decided: a two-year general funding and a four-year concept-based funding were to be retained. These exceptions, however, were not formally written into the policy document.

Kaup-Hasler's office stated that she stands by the funding recommendations. Nevertheless, they acknowledged that the municipal council holds the ultimate authority and its decision cannot be predetermined. This leaves institutions in a state of uncertainty as they await the final verdict.

“

Cultural Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler stands by the funding recommendations, but the municipal council cannot be preempted.