Key developments and new statistics have been added to the cultural policy profile of Croatia, thanks to the great work of our Croatian expert Jaka Primorac (IRMO). For a first impression on the current cultural policy changes in Croatia, please see below some highlights:
- The government has committed to assist in the restoration and redevelopment of cultural objects and infrastructure following two earthquakes in 2020 (chapter 2.1 / chapter 3.1)
- Media was added to the role of the Ministry of Culture in 2020 following a national election, to reflect the increasing role of the media. A new strategy for media is being prepared (chapter 2.1 / chapter 2.8)
- Debates on cultural legislation in 2020 related to the draft of the new law on independent artists, electronic media, authors’ rights and the critique of the continuous decline in funding for independent media and lowering of the working standards of journalists (chapter 2.1)
- Over 100 cinema theatres were digitized as part of a national project for the digitalisation of independent cinemas to 2020 (chapter 2.4).
- A new pilot Call for programmes that enable access and availability of cultural content for persons with disabilities was launched in 2020 (chapter 2.5.6)
- In 2020, a reduced tax rate of 13% (from 25%) was introduced for both the services and related authors’ rights of writers, composers and artists (chapter 4.1.4).
- Plans to transpose the European Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market via the new Draft Law on Authors Rights and Related Rights were thwarted following criticism from the professional community (chapter 4.1.6).
- In 2020 the new Law on Electronic Media was placed in the adoption process. It adopts some provisions relating to EU directives, introduces more transparency in media ownership, regulates publishers’ obligations, protects competition and regulates video-sharing, on demand platforms and electronic publications (chapter 4.2.6).
- The number of primary and secondary school graduates in art schools increased in the last five years (chapter 5.1).
- The COVID-19 crisis has led to a decrease in performances and audiences and to the closure of some professional and amateur theatres (chapter 6.2).
- Looking at data for 2019, the share of the state level funding increased again to 42% from 35% in 2014 (chapter 7.1.2).
- In 2020 special measures were created to soften the impact of COVID-19 on the arts and cultural sector, e.g. relating to cancellations, pensions and health insurance payments and a special fund for independent professionals (chapter 7.2.1).
For the complete updated profile of Croatia, please click here.
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