Zurich Zurich Kunsthaus does not yet apply for a subsidy increase

The City of Zurich has not yet received an application from the Kunsthaus for an increase in subsidies. The City Council is therefore not yet in a position to say whether or not it will respond.

Only when an application from the Kunstgesellschaft has been received can the City Council decide whether it is prepared to provide further subsidies. This is according to a response from the city government to a request from the GLP and SP, which was published on Thursday.

In May, it became known that there was a hole of 4.5 million francs in the Kunsthaus's coffers. When the Kunstgesellschaft, led by former National Bank President Philipp Hildebrand, finally announced that it might approach the city for an increase in subsidies, there was frowning and criticism from left to right.

Several motions were tabled in parliament. The SVP even submitted a postulate to prohibit the city council from increasing the funding. It was incomprehensible why taxpayers should have to foot the bill for the failure of the Kunsthaus management. However, the motion has not yet been dealt with.

Last year, the city paid subsidies amounting to around 13.2 million francs. The canton contributed 730,000 francs. The main reason for the financial shortfall was the new Chipperfield building, for which those responsible had underestimated the personnel and security costs.

SDA