In the wake of disruptions caused by the implementation of the Thymeli Plan in the cultural sector, the Deputy Ministry of Culture dismisses threats to close theatres as an ineffective approach.
Ministerial plans face strong backlash from the theatrical community.
Deputy Minister Lina Kassianidou clarified to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that the ministry’s policy remains unchanged, emphasizing that theatres cannot solely rely on state funding.
The spokesperson for the Cyprus Federation of Theatre Organizations, Marianna Kafkaridou, asserts that theatres are compelled to shut down due to the existing plan.
She expresses the opinion that there is a lack of willingness on the part of the Deputy Ministry of Culture to address the problems.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Kassianidou mentioned that changes are expected in the second phase of the Thymeli Plan, scheduled for spring. This phase will involve applications for the second half of 2024.
“We will improve certain aspects related to the operational years of newly established entities and the distribution of scores for funding amounts,” she explained.
In the first half, no one succeeded in securing the maximum €40,000 sponsorship for a theatrical production.
According to the Deputy Minister, the reactions from the Federation members stem from not securing €30,000 or €40,000 in funding, resulting in a lower amount for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
However, Kassianidou added that they would receive more funds for their operational expenses this year, which were excluded from the Thymeli Plan.
She emphasized that theatres with their own venues can apply for up to €20,000 for operational expenses. The plan is not designed to fully finance a theatrical production.
In Greece, she noted, the maximum funding for a theatrical production is €30,000.
Kassianidou hopes that the current plan will support a significantly larger number of organizations, with funding spread across 30 productions, 26 of which will go on tour.
She expressed hope that a substantial list of supported performances will be realized.
Regarding the Scala Theatre, a member of the Federation, Kassianidou mentioned that it received the highest funding.
She expressed hope that the theatre, having received funding for three different productions in the first half of 2024, does not intend to close.
“Threatening to close theatres is not a solution,” she emphasized, mentioning that some productions started with funding from the previous year and continue.
Many actors and contributors are affected by the decision of these theatres to shut down, she added.
Responding to whether there is a way to bridge the gap between the Deputy Ministry and the Federation, Kassianidou explained that the Federation members requested a return to a previous system where theatres received a lump sum of €160,000 for their productions.
However, she emphasized that funding should be awarded through merit-based evaluation and criteria.
Kassianidou believes that the current evaluation process is more transparent and fair.
She suggested that working together with theatres to increase their revenue, such as increasing audience numbers and ticket sales, is crucial.
“Theatres cannot rely solely on state funding,” she stressed, advocating for a change in the operational model of the institution. Kassianidou expressed hope for a meeting with theatre groups to discuss the issues while maintaining the philosophy of the Thymeli Plan, which supports theatrical production through merit-based criteria.
In response, Marianna Kafkaridou, spokesperson for the Cyprus Federation of Theatre Organizations, declared to CNA that federation members have already suspended their activities.
Rehearsals and performances for productions submitted to the Thymeli Scheme for 2024 will not proceed. She emphasized the Satirical Theatre’s loss of income for three months, affecting 20-25 individuals.
Commenting on the Deputy Ministry of Culture’s attempt to create a more inclusive and democratic plan, Kafkaridou pointed out that it overlooked the diverse needs of the federation’s theatrical entities and emerging groups.
She questioned how a theatrical production could proceed with the allocated funds, describing the process as a substantial expense, especially in contemporary times.
The proposed €20,000 to cover a theatre’s operational costs, according to Kafkaridou, is insufficient, particularly for a theatre like the Satirical.
Expressing disagreement with the Thymeli Scheme’s philosophy, she stated that it would be disastrous for the entire theatrical community, as the reduced amounts make it impossible for a theatrical entity to gather the maximum funding for complex and costly productions.
She highlighted the impracticality of achieving the required 91% rating to receive the €40,000 maximum, as outlined in the current structure.
Kafkaridou recalled a time when the state provided specific funds, supporting the creation of new theatres and theatre spaces while ensuring their continued operation.
She criticized the Deputy Ministry of Culture for abruptly changing policies, indicating a lack of support for theatrical venues. She lamented the undermining of their artistic work and value.
Regarding the financial sponsorships, she noted that they inadvertently will lead to closures. Kafkaridou emphasized that the theatrical entities are faced with a fait accompli, receiving no warning or time to prepare or find alternative sources for the fund.
While the Federation is open to dialogue with the Deputy Ministry, Kafkaridou highlighted their unsuccessful attempts to engage with the Deputy Minister.
Despite appealing to the President of the Republic for intervention, no response was received.
Expressing concern, Kafkaridou stated that without immediate emergency support and a subsequent study and consultation for a fairer and more functional funding plan, theatres cannot progress with the current funding.
She accused external forces of creating a divisive atmosphere within the theatrical community, attempting to pit factions against each other.
Kafkaridou reiterated the Federation’s opposition to the Thymeli Scheme, believing it damages both theatrical entities and professional theatre.
Asked about consultation with other collectives, Kafkaridou responded negatively, citing ongoing tensions.
Despite their readiness for dialogue, she expressed skepticism about the Deputy Ministry of Culture’s willingness to address the issues, as they believe the current plan serves their needs and artistic goals.
