Slovenian Culture Ministry Suspends Work Scholarship Grant Call

The Ministry of Culture in Slovenia halted the public tender for work scholarships intended for self‑employed cultural workers. Minister Ignacija Fridl Jarc cancelled the procedure, saying the ministry faces a changed financial situation and a budget shortfall of €8.9 million, of which €700,000 had been earmarked for the scholarship scheme.

The call had attracted 429 applications – 87 of them deemed positive – but no decisions had been issued before the suspension. Cultural unions and artists criticised the move, warning that the scholarships provide essential time for creation, research and professional development and that their removal threatens the livelihood of thousands of cultural workers.

The ministry reported the deficit stems mainly from a €3.9 million shortfall for self‑employed cultural staff, prompting temporary measures such as the termination of student jobs and internal reorganisation.