Thurgau supports the strengthening of amateur culture
The Thurgau cantonal government welcomes the strengthening of amateur cultural associations in the national message on the promotion of culture in the years 2025-2028.
With regard to the topic of cultural participation and amateur culture in the dispatch, the Thurgau cantonal government states that amateur cultural associations are of great importance for coexistence and cultural diversity, particularly in rural areas. This importance is rightly acknowledged in the Cultural Message 2025-2028. It is important that these associations are supported in recruiting young talent, digital transformation and organizational development and that their volunteer work is recognized accordingly.
With regard to the demanded improvement in the income of cultural professionals, the Government Council writes that cultural professionals have opted for a professional field in which aspects such as self-realization or artistic and creative freedom are more important than financial compensation. This decision should be respected. In conjunction with the sharp increase in the number of cultural professionals, this leads to a lower salary level in the cultural sector.
The Government Council does not find the references to an alleged lack of equality entirely comprehensible. For example, the fact that more men than women work in certain cultural sectors and vice versa is not conclusive evidence of discrimination. Rather, such findings could also be the result of gender-specific differences in interests, and there is nothing wrong with that. Further, open-ended clarifications are therefore absolutely necessary before any measures are taken.
The Federal Council is requesting funding totaling CHF 1,001.9 million to implement the Confederation's cultural policy in the years 2025-2028. This corresponds to an average real growth of 0.2 percent compared to the 2024 budget.
