Art support fund introduces subsidy programmes for 2016

Slovakia has a new Art Support Fund (FPU). Culture Minister Marek Madarič presented it on Thursday along with the fund's Council chairman Peter Michalovič and director Jozef Kovalčík. This is not the first time Slovakia has had an art support and subsidy program under the Culture Ministry. However, the structure of the subsidy and grant programmes has changed. Culture Minister Madarič claims that the main aim of this fund is to feed more money into non-state culture. The budget of the fund coming from the state is €15 million, while it is expected that the fund also acquires resources from sponsors. The previous grant system under the Culture Ministry was limited to support the presentation of pieces of art. Now, the Art Support Fund will even support the creation of the art. Minister Madarič expects the fund to be more flexible than the ministry itself and provide grants more quickly, independently and effectively.Apart from subsidies and grants, the Art Support Fund will also provide scholarships for artists and later on it will also provide loans for artists. On November 30, the first call of the fund will be announced. This one will be aimed at the organisation of major cultural events.