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Summary for: Czech ministry reviews partnerships with Karlovy Vary, Prague Spring festivalsThe Czech Culture Ministry is reviewing its partnerships with major cultural organizations, including the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and Prague Spring, to align them with the government’s cultural policy for 2026–2029.
New agreements are intended to specify partners’ responsibilities, expected results and how those results will be assessed, the ministry said Tuesday. It emphasized that the review aims to reshape cooperation rather than end relationships with established institutions.
The announcement comes amid criticism from cultural organizations over consultation and funding, with the proposed 2027 budget allocating less to a support program for professional theaters, symphony orchestras and choirs.
Festivals discuss new terms
The ministry said its existing agreement with Karlovy Vary would undergo a substantial revision, with negotiations involving festival organizer Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary.
Festival spokeswoman Uljana Donátová told ČTK that the event had consistently fulfilled the conditions of its previous cooperation agreements. Ministry support accounts for no more than 20 percent of the festival’s total budget, she said.
Donátová expressed confidence that the festival would continue to meet the requirements after reviewing the new cultural policy.
Talks with Prague Spring concern wider access to its cultural program, educational activities and support for young talent. Festival Director Robert Hanč confirmed that intensive negotiations were underway.
“We have submitted several proposals of our own to the ministry, which we are now discussing together,” Hanč said. He described the discussions as constructive and hoped their results could be presented within several weeks.
The ministry also named Smetana’s Litomyšl, Janáček Brno, the Zlín Film Festival and the Thálie theater awards among the partnerships under review, alongside institutions involved in presenting Czech culture abroad.
It said each relationship would be considered individually, taking account of existing commitments.
Cultural priorities meet a contested budget
The new state policy identifies live arts and access to culture throughout Czechia as priorities. It also covers libraries, digital services and reading, alongside festivals, concerts and other artistic activities.
However, the opposition Pirates have criticized the policy for excluding expert voices and key cultural-sector representatives. The Cultural and Creative Federation has separately accused the ministry of repeatedly bypassing and misleading professional organizations.
The proposed Culture Ministry budget for 2027 totals CZK 19.26 billion, an increase of CZK 1.66 billion over this year.
According to ČTK, the government’s increases primarily benefit organizations directly funded by the ministry, rather than the live-arts funding category.
Approximately CZK 1.25 billion is proposed for live culture and cultural services. Within that, support for professional theaters, symphony orchestras and choirs would receive CZK 300 million—CZK 50 million less than this year. Professional associations had requested CZK 500 million.
No festival cancellations or specific program reductions were announced Tuesday. The immediate changes concern partnership terms, while the proposed funding allocations remain part of the budget process.
