Institutional responsibility in focus

In view of current and future funding cuts to the performing arts, the question arises who will take on an increased responsibility for the structural support of a thriving independent performing arts landscape. Should conventional state supported theatres play more of a role in the promotion and building up of independent artists, could private foundations fill the gaps of public funding bodies in a sustainable and meaningful way, and must local administrators be more than bureaucratic managers and become the new champions of local art communities? These and more questions will be raised during the upcoming EAIPA online event series.

April 13th: Art institutions

Can institutions play more of a role in the promotion and building up of independent artists?

With funding cuts and a dwindling number of independently run theatres and cultural spaces, there are fewer possibilities for artists to find a stage to showcase their work or be part of a permanent company. In this session, artistic directors, arts councilors and artists will discuss the potential of institutional support: how state-run performing arts venues or privately funded cultural centres can provide new platforms for independent performing artists, either through coproduction or temporary use of the institution’s facilities during the summer break.

April 15th: Private Foundations

Can private foundations fill the gaps of public funding bodies in a sustainable and meaningful way?

One thing that is repeatedly being made clear is that state support for the arts is unreliable. Currently, many countries’ art scenes are experiencing a sudden change in attitude by state sponsors when it comes to arts funding, either due to economic instability or new security threats. Meanwhile, other European regions have only ever received minimal financial backing or been completely left to their own devices. In this session, cultural policy experts, art patrons and artists will therefore discuss the increasing role and reliance of private foundations and alternative funding opportunities.

April 17th: Cultural Administration

Can local administrators be more than bureaucratic managers and become the new champions of local art communities?

Political populism does not stop at the arts: Across all of Europe, many political players are currently directly targeting the freedom and diversity of the arts. At the same time, mainstream political parties and unstable coalition governments are either distracted by other ‚more pressing‘ concerns or do not recognize the significant role the arts play in society. Whatever the case, the arts have taken a backseat in the political spectacle. As such, an increasing number of local administrators and arts councilors have tested and used the limits of their position to introduce long-term strategies or provide advice and structural support to local art scenes. In this session, cultural policy experts, arts councilors and civil servants will discuss the discretionary power of administrative structures.