Culture euro for Vienna: Kaup-Hasler demands support for art!

Culture euro for Vienna: Kaup-Hasler demands support for art!

The Viennese City Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler has spoken out for the introduction of a “cultural euro” to help tourists to finance the cultural offers in Vienna. This idea was developed as part of her conversations with the chairman of the SPÖ, Andreas Babler, with whom she maintains close cooperation, although Kaup-Hasler is not a member of the party. In addition, it underlines the relevance of a visible presence in cultural policy, especially with regard to the upcoming elections on April 27, which should be advertised under the slogan "It is about Vienna". Kaup-Hasler emphasizes four central aspects: a center for children's culture and a children's literature house, the promotion of young theater in Vienna, the establishment of Vienna as the capital of digital humanism and the creation of other spaces for art and cultural exchange.

The cultural strategy 2030 is a central element of the city's cultural policy and was described by Kaup-Hasler as a framework of action that covers various aspects of urban development and cultural funding. Critics from the art scene have expressed concerns about the lack of time and financial plans, which Kaup-Hasler rejects. Some concerns were also expressed regarding the northwestern station area, which could possibly be neglected culturally after the implementation of residential projects.

Promotion of affordable culture and including participation

Viennese cultural policy aims to make culture accessible to everyone, regardless of the socio -economic background of the citizens. Initiatives are planned to promote affordable cultural events and free offers. In Vienna there is already a wide range of reduced or free cultural offers. For example, visitors receive free admission to the permanent exhibitions in the Vienna Museum or can take part in free open-air programs during the cultural summer. These measures are intended to further improve access to culture and increase the participation of socially disadvantaged citizens.

The main objectives by 2030 include the expansion of the affordable and free cultural offerings in close cooperation with cultural institutions, as well as the improvement of local cultural supply. An example of successful initiatives are the "Free in Vienna" brochures, which are available in different languages, and the organization of summer noses, which bring films directly to the neighborhoods. Kaup-Hasler emphasizes that a main focus must be on the support of low-income Viennese to reduce cultural hurdles.

outlook on the cultural strategy and future challenges

Despite numerous initiatives and the intention to expand the cultural budget, Kaup-Hasler warns for caution. Future savings in the cultural budget may be inevitable, and cultural -political setbacks have already been experienced in other countries. This requires a stronger welcome culture in Vienna to promote cultural diversity and creativity. At the same time, the cultural usage of the Semmelweis clinic will continue until the end of 2026 to create space for creative projects.

The city is trying not only to be a cultural center in Europe, but also to develop an attraction for artists, especially on the Otto Wagner area. Kaup-Hasler's strategy is rounded off by the focus on an inclusive participation that ensures that nobody is excluded from cultural offers and that every Viennese has the opportunity to experience the rich cultural scene of the city. These approaches are part of the comprehensive cultural strategy, which are intended to significantly shape the future of Vienna Culture.