By Tina Hofman

How do we defend the true value of the arts when facing politicians who focus solely on economics or national identity? How do politically motivated budget cuts restrict artistic freedom? How are international collaborations in the arts threatened by domestic funding cuts in countries which have frequently provided co-funding for international partnerships? How do we form international alliances that defend the value of arts and culture? 

At the IETM Berlin Plenary Meeting 2025, feminist activist and gender policy consultant Emma Holton opened this session with a critical reflection on the assigned role of the arts within our present economic system. She explored why governments easily attack sectors such as arts, care and education when introducing funding cuts.

The panel, moderated by Elena Polivtseva, addressed the political nature of funding cuts within an authoritarian climate. The panellists will reflect on the subject from their practical expertise in cultural politics, drawing on their experiences as a former MEP and member of the Culture and Education Committee of the European Parliament (Julie Ward), Programme Director of Berlin’s Performing Arts Programme (Janina Benduski), and as President of the Slovenian advocacy NGO Asociacija, which supports cultural non-profit organisations and artists in Slovenia (Uroš Veber).