site.btaCabinet Allocates BGN 34 Mln in Funding for Performing Arts State Cultural Institutions

The Council of Ministers has allocated BGN 34 million in funding for State cultural institutions in the performing arts sector, said Minister of Culture Marian Bachev at a briefing at the Council of Ministers here on Wednesday. 

According to Bachev, the funds—intended for theaters, operas, philharmonic associations, and other cultural institutions—are a natural continuation of the government’s policy of support for the performing arts and the entire sector.

“The budget for the performing arts for 2025 has already been increased by BGN 6 million compared to the 2024 budget—from BGN 159 million to BGN 165 million. The budget was passed later this year than usual, unlike the standard timing for increases. Therefore, it was initially unclear when these additional funds would be possible in the new budget. Normally, such funding becomes available around six months after the budget is adopted. In this case, from March until now, we reacted much faster,” Bachev explained.

“I take this opportunity to thank Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, who took on the task of securing this additional funding with understanding,” he added. 

Bachev stated that the government’s decision “dispels any speculation that theaters would be shut down or that troupes would be frozen.” Work is also underway to revise the funding methodology for State cultural institutions that operate under a delegated budget model.