Barbara Klepsch Holds Firm on Culture Funding in Saxony's Budget
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Budget discussion - Klepsch now doubts budget savings prospects - Council Proposals Already Submitted by Commission
Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU) has declared the wellspring of financial savings in the cultural budget for Saxony sparsely available in the draft double budget for 2025/2026. "In my domain, I can't find any space for further reductions without risking institution closures," she stated to the German Press Agency.
She issues a word of caution, as the state parliament prepares for debate, against pitting institutions against each other. Despite the challenges ahead, the preservation of Saxony's cultural landscape retains top priority.
Secure Budget for Music Schools
Acknowledging the tight fiscal situation "at an unprecedented level to save," it posed a daunting task for her department. "Our guideline was: cut as little as possible and set priorities," said Klepsch. Fortunately, the cultural space funds, which total 104 million euros in 2025 and 2026, remained untouched. "This allows the regions, institutions, and partners on the ground to plan ahead," she explained. Music schools also secure their funds at the current budget of 7.87 million euros. "This provides the foundation to safeguard Saxony’s musical legacy," she assure.
Funding Culture in Municipalities
Saxony finances cultural activities primarily in municipalities through the unique cultural space law nationwide. The eight cultural spaces make decisions independently on promotion of institutions and projects. The Free State supports municipalities in their cultural financing efforts, with the cultural spaces imposing a surcharge.
Same Level for Culture Pact Funds
The budget allotted for the so-called Culture Pact for theater and orchestra promotion remains at the 2024 level of 8.76 million euros, stated Klepsch. These funds balance differences in salary scales between various institutions. Despite increased operating, labor, and material costs, nine venues received an additional five million euros in 2023 and 2024. However, this rescue package for 2023/2024 no longer applies. "This spells a significant issue for theaters facing further cost increases," she indicated.
Reduced Subsidy for Memorial Foundation
The subsidy for the Memorial Foundation was lowered to 90% for this year only. In 2026, it reverts to 100%. "Understanding that the development concept of the foundation calls for a significant increase in personnel," she clarified. Fifteen percent cuts apply to the state cultural associations, resulting in fewer projects.
Addressing Criticism
"We haven't wielded the red pen in a blanket reduction," Klepsch rebutted criticism. State-owned enterprises were also not spared. "Both personnel and material costs are on a freeze in the budget," which means vacating positions will not be filled, and no new project positions will be created.
"Taking into account the tense financial situation, unrealistic expectations should now be paused," she advised, as criticism and desires escalate before the parliamentary debate on funding. 2025/2026 serves as a transition budget. Once the economy recovers and tax revenues improve, "we're counting on a financial resurgence," she added.
- Barbara Klepsch
- Savings potential
- Budget
- CDU
- Dresden
- German Press Agency
- Saxony
- Partners
Enrichment Data:
Given the information currently available, details about Barbara Klepsch's stance on the specific status of culture funding in the 2025/2026 budget for Saxony is not directly provided. The budget indicates that cultural space funds will remain untouched and will total 104 million euros in both years. However, the budget reveals cuts of fifteen percent for state cultural associations and a reduced subsidy for the Memorial Foundation, among other changes. For a comprehensive understanding of the current status of culture funding as stated by Minister Klepsch, it might be necessary to consult her press releases or official announcements from the Ministry of State for Culture and Tourism in Saxony.
- Barbara Klepsch, the Culture Minister of Saxony, has emphasized that the cultural budget for the state remains a priority, despite the tight fiscal situation.
- In the 2025/2026 budget, the cultural space funds, totaling 104 million euros, remain untouched, allowing for greater certainty in planning for regional institutions and partners.
- Despite the reduction in subsidies for state cultural associations, the level of Culture Pact funds for theater and orchestra promotion remains the same as in 2024, ensuring balance between various institutions' salary scales.
