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Pro Helvetia management review of 2007
In 2007, Pro Helvetia pledged CHF 21.8 million in grants. A further CHF 5.4 million were invested in the Arts Council's own cultural activities. These include the maintenance of offices abroad, the implementation of cultural programmes, and the establishment and distribution of information on Swiss arts and culture. Administrative expenses came to CHF 4.7 million.
Cultural ties with France were significantly strengthened thanks to the programme «La belle voisine». With the «echoes - folk culture for tomorrow» programme, Pro Helvetia and 15 cantons have, for over a year now, been jointly preparing the ground for the future promotion of folk culture.
Federal funding in 2007 amounted to CHF 32 million, one million less than in the year before and than originally foreseen in the government's budget plans. Whereas Pro Helvetia managed to reduce administrative expenses in absolute terms, they rose slightly on a percentage basis owing to the short-term cut in Federal contributions that could not be offset by more cost saving. Additional government measures and requirements further reduced the Arts Council's financial leeway.
Outlook
Focus at present is on the two bills currently under debate in parliament, the future 'Kulturförderungsgesetz' (Cultural Promotion Act) and the Pro Helvetia Act. The Arts Council hopes that these bills will be dealt with as swiftly as possible and that, once enacted, will secure its autonomy and raise its measure of flexibility.
Show latest news, more from April 2008.
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