Czech Culture Ministry's New Strategy "Tailored for a Specific Government" — Document Sparks Outrage

Last week the Czech Ministry of Culture sent a draft government cultural policy strategy out for interdepartmental review. The document was authored by Barbora Šťastná, chief of staff to Culture Minister Oto Klempíř (Motoristé sobě party), who also serves as his press secretary and is the partner of Sports and Prevention Minister Boris Šťastný (also of Motoristé sobě).

According to the explanatory memo accompanying the draft, its purpose is to "define the priorities and strategic goals of the government's cultural policy in line with the cabinet's programme statement." The strategy identifies three priority areas: "People and Culture," "Cultural Heritage and Identity," and "Culture for the Future." The text states that the document's aim is to strengthen cultural life, develop the economic potential of culture, and improve the quality of life for Czech residents.

The draft calls for engaging people in cultural life, supporting organisations that preserve historical memory, protecting cultural heritage, and continuing investment to boost the economic returns generated by culture. It separately raises the need to increase salaries for artists and cultural workers.

The strategy also includes budget requests for next year: the ministry is seeking an additional 3.4 billion crowns on top of its current 17.6 billion. Notably, the document makes no mention whatsoever of Czech Television and Czech Radio, whose funding model Minister Klempíř intends to overhaul.

The release of the draft for public discussion has provoked backlash from figures in the cultural community. Critics are particularly irked by the fact that the document's own author admits the strategy was "tailored" to fit the current government and is not an impartial, independent policy paper. Former Culture Minister Martin Baxa called the situation "outrageous."

Source: novinky.cz