The 2008 economic crisis followed by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic have led to important cuts in funds for culture and cultural heritage in many Member States. In parallel, several forms of funding have emerged, offering alternatives to the more traditional and public-driven forms. However, differences exist between Member States and it is important to consider the diversity of cultural practices as well as national legislation relating to funding and tax relief. Different funding cultures led to the development of tailored infrastructures that support national cultural institutions and activities. It is therefore important to investigate and share examples and best practices.

On 25-26 January 2021, the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture hosted an online workshop addressing the theme of “Complementary sources of funding for Cultural heritage”. The workshop saw the participation of members of the Expert Group on Cultural heritage, in addition to Member States, European regions, including ERRIN members, as well as heritage stakeholders.

Alongside with high-level institutional representatives, such as the Head of Cabinet of Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, additional speakers from Kultur und Arbeit, the European Investment Bank and the European Cultural Foundation provided their contributions. In parallel, examples and good practices were presented by National and Regional entities, demonstrating the broad variety of ways through which cultural institutions can mobilise private resources and complement public funding while ensuring their sustainability on the long term.

The contributions brought forward by panellists and participants will also feed into the EC’s non-paper on Complementary Funding for Cultural Heritage.

Please find at this link the EC summary of the takeaways of the two-day workshop.

At this link you can access the agenda and the sessions recordings.