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Czech Republic state cultural policy approval and backlash

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2026-10-23 10:51 UTC → 2026-10-24 07:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Czech government has approved a new state cultural policy for the 2026–2029 period, focusing on heritage protection, creative industries, digitalization, and audiovisual exports. The policy has faced intense opposition from professional associations and unions, who claim it was developed without sufficient public debate. Former Minister of Culture Martin Baxa described the process as an “expression of arrogance” by current Minister Ota Klempíř. The Ministry of Culture has begun reviewing partnerships with major institutions—including the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Prague Spring, Smetana’s Litomyšl, Janáček Brno, the Zlín Film Festival, and the Thálie awards—to ensure alignment with the new framework. While a ministry spokeswoman noted that state support for Karlovy Vary accounts for no more than 20 percent of its budget, the review has coincided with reports of funding reductions. Resistance has intensified as the Association of Independent Theatres warned that new grant conditions could threaten artistic freedom and encourage ~~self-censorship, particularly regarding classic works with controversial social critiques. Minister Klempíř~~ self-censorship. Further criticism has ~~also faced public protests~~ emerged regarding proposed changes to media regulations; critics allege that new grant calls for literary periodicals constitute censorship by excluding political news and ~~criticism from figures such as filmmaker Jiří Mádl. Further tension~~ commentary. Additionally, the Association of Audiovisual Producers (APA) is protesting plans to amend audiovisual law, specifically regarding the election of expert council members and the replacement of the State Fund for Audiovisual Media board. Industry leaders warn these reforms, alongside a potential one-billion-koruna budget reduction, could destabilize the sector and lead to widespread bankruptcies. Tension also arose when the Ministry denied a grant for the ‘Korzo Národní’ project, ~~which commemorates~~ commemorating the ~~November 17~~ Velvet Revolution, ~~stating the project did not meet specific~~ citing criteria reserved for decadal anniversaries. In ~~response to the funding denial,~~ response, organizers ~~launched a fundraiser that~~ raised over 5 million ~~CZK, supplemented by~~ CZK through a fundraiser and pledges from the South Bohemian and Liberec regions, as well as ~~local authorities like~~ Prague 7.

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