13.03.: The Rectorate of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz publishes an open letter to the Provincial Council for Culture and the City Council for Culture on the current cuts in the cultural scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nDear Mr. Provincial Councillor,
Dear City Councilor,<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe appeal of an international art university is made up of many components: First of all, it is outstanding artistic professors who attract young students to Graz. But just as important is a flourishing cultural scene around the university, which inspires our students and gives them the artistic environment to network with others and to develop independently in cooperation projects at major festivals, in off-theatre and at innovative small concert series in the region. The independent scene around the established major cultural institutions is the humus for experiments, innovative formats and original combinations of old and new. For our students, this field is as important as the teaching provided by their artistic professors. Only the interplay of the two makes it an interesting place to study, which in turn benefits the city, the state and the cultural landscape itself in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are therefore very concerned about the planned cuts to the cultural budget of the city and the state. The extent of the subsidy cuts will mean that this inspiring cultural landscape, for which Graz and Styria are role models throughout Austria, will soon no longer exist. Many associations, groups and individuals will not survive this radical cut and will withdraw from the cultural scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As those responsible for cultural policy, we ask you not to make excessive savings in all necessary budget consolidation measures where the long-term attractiveness of the location is at stake. Cultural life in the city and the region thrives on a broad diversity ranging from contemporary to traditional, from resistant to highly cultural, from a mix of small cultural initiatives and large established cultural institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, we strongly advocate a reconsideration of the budget consolidation measures published to date in the interests of our students, so that irreversible damage does not occur for years, if not decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On behalf of the KUG Rectorate
Georg Schulz<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n