Melk council to renegotiate funding for Wachau Kultur

Wachau Kultur Melk could receive less funding from the city next year, ORF reports. The city’s financial situation has prompted new negotiations over whether support will continue, and at what level.

Wachau Kultur Melk and the city have confirmed that they are renegotiating their three-year agreement, which currently provides about 80,000 euros annually. Mayor Patrick Strobl of the Austrian People’s Party cited rising levies and reduced funds available to the city.

Strobl said he supports continued funding. “We stand behind culture and also know the value it creates,” he told ORF. The city council must decide whether funding will be approved, how much it will provide and for how long. A decision is expected in autumn.

Events to continue as planned

Wachau Kultur Melk described the talks as constructive and said it expects to receive further funding. Any cuts would not have a significant impact next year, as the programme for 2027 has already been budgeted.

The organisation said it had already been working for several years to reduce costs and develop sustainable solutions. Savings measures would not affect the quality of its productions, it said. The concrete effects of any cuts would therefore only be felt from 2028.

Wachau Kultur Melk’s event series include the Melk Summer Games, the International Baroque Days at Melk Abbey, Wachau in Real Time and the programme at the Melk Tischlerei cultural workshop.