Culture minister: sector is in crisis, merging museums and higher parental fees among possible fixes

Latvian Culture Minister Puntulis acknowledged in an interview about sector funding that the country's culture sector is in crisis, as salaries have not risen in recent years. He outlined possible solutions but named no specific sums or promises.

Museum mergers and governance

One option the minister mentioned is consolidating museums that perform the same functions. He also believes changes to museum management should be considered. As an example, he pointed to the Rundāle Palace Museum, which has become a derived public entity.

Puntulis argued that cultural institutions should be distinguished by their ability to earn their own revenue, since the situation of state-owned companies differs from that of museums, libraries and archives. He suggested that legislative changes may be needed so that such companies could keep a larger share of their income.

Culture education and parental payments

In culture education, one funding solution could be higher co-payments from parents. The minister did not say by how much they might rise, noting that an analysis is needed first. He added that the split of funding between the state, municipalities and parents must also be assessed.

The minister supports keeping a broad network of culture education institutions. In his view, the goal set for public administration of being small and efficient does not apply to the culture sector. "I am definitely against a small and efficient culture sector. The culture sector must be broad," he said, adding that this breadth begins in culture education.

Pay and the budget

Puntulis claimed that salaries rose regularly during his previous time leading the Ministry of Culture. Asked about sector representatives' plan to protest in November and the chances of securing a noticeable funding increase in next year's budget, he gave no concrete promises. He explained this by uncertainty over the composition of the next government and whether he himself will take part in budget talks. He said naming specific amounts would be improper toward a possible future culture minister, while promising to do everything possible to strengthen the sector.