They are the Federation Wallonia-Brussels. “It is a subsidy that allows us to both support artists, produce events, and pay our salaries. It has been a disruption.”
What are the subsidies allocated to culture used for?
Someone else has called. “Last July, we were informed that we would not receive our permanent education subsidy. We appealed, the Higher Education Council met and gave a favorable response that we should receive the subsidy, but we have not heard back from the minister.”
In the meantime, Alison Luca has lost her job. She reveals that when she joined in 2023, the team consisted of nine collaborators. Today, there are only two left.
Should cultural products fund themselves by reaching a wider audience?
The consequences will also be felt by the public. And for some more than others. “We used to have very cheap events. A rap concert for 4 euros, was possible here. The absence of such affordable events isolates people. And that is political.”
An ideological aspect also raised by Marc Scius, CSC Culture coordinator. “Today, in the government, there are politicians who clearly state that culture should not be subsidized, that it should be financially self-sufficient, or even that it should be an economic actor that brings in money. This contradicts a policy of culture for all.”
