Hungary/ 5.3 Sector specific legislation  

5.3.2 Performing arts and music

Passing Act XCIX/2008 on Performing Arts in December 2008 is considered the latest major achievement of cultural policy. It stabilises the status of artists employed in theatres and orchestras, in line with related UNESCO recommendations. It also regulates the conditions of access to state subsidies. Theatres will be registered in six categories, and orchestras in two categories, the number of performances being the main criterion. A broadly welcomed aspect is that at least 10% of public grants is guaranteed for independent, alternative or experimental theatre groups. On the other hand some critics hold that in the formula that defines the amount of subsidy, too large weight is given to the size of public of the respective theatres in the previous year. A special section of the law regulates the selection of directors of public theatres and orchestras, ensuring the involvement of professional delegates in the process.

The law enters into effect in 2010. Nevertheless, in acknowledgement of the co-operation of the sector, the financial support of the ministry for theatres and orchestras was raised in 2009 (opposed to cuts elsewhere).