Flanders demonstrates ambition and continues to invest in culture in Brussels

“Flanders has proven to be a reliable partner and friend of Brussels with Minister-President Jan Jambon.” Flanders continues to invest in culture in Brussels, even in times of corona, the N-VA notes. “In difficult times, you get to know who your real friends are.”

During the debate in the Flemish Parliament on the Flemish cultural policy in Brussels and the broad Flemish periphery of Brussels, it became clear that Flemish cultural life is a vital link in the Brussels cultural landscape and city life. In addition to education, the Flemish ambition in Brussels is most strongly expressed in the area of culture.

56 million euros for culture in Brussels

Flanders has always invested heavily in its cultural presence in Brussels. That is also shown by the recent figures. “A total of almost 56 million euros (10.39% of the Flemish culture budget) was spent on organisations in and for Brussels in 2018. This share is therefore twice as much as the 5% ambition of the Brussels standard. Moreover, there are a lot more great projects in the pipeline, such as the American Theatre, in which we are counting on a good working partnership with other authorities,” Brussels MP Mathias Vanden Borre says.

Brussels nonchalant with rules

Even in times of corona, there must be room to experience culture, but safely. “Minister-President Jan Jambon is rightly concerned about safety during events, performances or competitions in the City of Brussels. No applications have yet been received from cultural houses that are part of the Flemish Community, even though they have already organised events for a larger number of people. Unfortunately, Brussels authorities are known for sometimes being nonchalant with rules. I will question PS Mayor Close about this during the next city council meeting.”

Flemish added value in times of corona

The added value of the Flemish Community’s presence in Brussels has also been proven during the COVID-19 crisis. “The coronavirus emergency fund was also open to Brussels cultural organisations, with a request made for support worth almost 2.5 million euros. That is about 20% of the total application. There were 240 applications for the coronavirus subsidy of 1,500 euros for cultural workers for Brussels out of a total of 2,088 approved files, i.e. 11.5%. In addition, the coronavirus Cultural Activities subsidy will also soon be launched, so that cultural creators can apply for up to 20,000 euros. In difficult times, you get to know who your real friends are. “Flanders has proven to be a reliable partner and friend of Brussels with Minister-President Jan Jambon,” the N-VA notes.