Berlin Faces Backlash Over Proposed €130 Million Arts Budget Cuts

Cultural Senator Joe Chialo pledges to fight for vulnerable sectors as final decisions approach in December.

Berlin's government plans to cut €130 million from the cultural budget, sparking widespread concern among artists and institutions.
Cultural Senator Joe Chialo has vowed to protect vulnerable areas, particularly children's and youth theaters and artist studio spaces, from the proposed cuts.
The final decision on the supplementary budget will be made by the state parliament on December 19, leaving room for further negotiations.
Chialo acknowledged the distress caused by the cuts but emphasized the necessity of reducing €5 billion from the overall state budget over two years.
Originally, €200 million was slated to be cut from the cultural sector, but this amount was reduced during internal coalition discussions prioritizing security, education, and social services.