The culture sector as a victim of the credit crunch

The Dutch VSB Bank is cutting its budget for culture funding by 30 million euros as a consequence of the credit crunch. Other sponsors of culture have also announced austerity measures. Will Minister for Culture Ronald Plasterk "now open his treasure chest", the national newspaper NRC Handelsblad asks. "No. There's no reason for the state to step in and socialise the art sector when the private sector is unexpectedly hit by economic recession. The government creates the conditions for a long-term flourishing of cultural life. It does so through institutions, money and sometimes good rhetoric. With this good rhetoric Plasterk can convince sponsors that the culture sector should not be allowed to become the first victim of the recession. But he must avoid conveying the impression that the state will step in when other parties pull out. The credit crunch affects many sectors of society, including culture, too, unfortunately."

» full article (external link, Dutch)

» To the complete press review of Tuesday, November 11, 2008