Although the Council for Culture advises the government, the Minister of Culture still makes the recommendation to the government. The provinces are responsible for regional cultural facilities, and the municipalities for local venues. 5.46 Previous cultural policy was based on concepts of quality and participation. In the recently issued Principles on cultural policy 2001-2004 the Minister states that this policy has been a barrier to change and created a cultural sphere which benefits only a small minority and does not respond to market demand. The revised principles aim to achieve change the Council for Culture will have to argue the case for continuing to fund organisations, funding will be redirected towards new initiatives and the health of each sector and required interventions will be evaluated.
Umbrella bodies are likely to have their subsidy reduced.
Venues are seen as the point of confrontation between supply and audience. Venues in areas lacking cultural facilities will be given funding to produce quality programmes. 5.49 Entrepreneurism is a major strand of the revised principles. Cultural organisations, the Minister argues, should not be protected from market forces. 5.51 Cultural diversity and cultural education are major forces driving the review of principles.