Multi-year cultural funding will be decided for the first time next Monday, with a total of around 900,000 euros expected to flow over the next few years. Initially it is a pilot project; State Governor Thomas Stelzer promises “planning security for both sides”.
According to the state government’s plan, the Crossing Europe film festival, which has opened the Linz stages to filmmakers from all over Europe once a year on six event days since 2004, is to be supported with 499,700 euros until 2026. In the current year, 153,400 euros will be made available in the first step. The Upper Austrian Cultural Platform (KUPF) will receive a total of 370,100 euros by the end of 2025 and 179,000 of them this calendar year. According to Governor Stelzer, this “fulfills a long-standing wish”.
In the past, Upper Austrian cultural projects have repeatedly pushed for multi-year funding programs in order to be able to better plan their financial situation in the long term. And that is exactly what will now be “guaranteed with the decision to provide funding for two or three years,” Stelzer was quoted as saying in a state broadcast. Initially, this is a pilot project based on Crossing Europe and the Upper Austria Cultural Platform (KUPF) is limited.
Funding model might be expanded
If the funding model proves successful, the new financial opportunities should also be opened up “to well-known funding applicants whose programs and budget planning are characterized by continuity,” according to the state. Eligible are “institutions that already receive regular annual funding and can demonstrate consistent, coherent budget and program planning over the next few years.” The state government wants to be in close and regular contact with the funded projects.
Governor Stelzer was satisfied with the pilot project, which is due to start on Monday with the approval of political decision-makers: “Promoting culture is a matter close to our hearts in the state government, Upper Austria is a cultural country.” Both institutions supported in the pilot project are “fixed components of cultural life in Upper Austria,” and the decision is “also evidence of our appreciation of cultural work.”
