Meelis Oidsalu says that the funding system for private theaters needs improvement. Currently, the majority of funding goes to state foundations. In Oidsalu's opinion, some state foundations could be closed in the future to make the landscape more diverse.
On Tuesday in 'Terevisioon,' Oidsalu said that the funding system is a collegial process of making taste-based decisions. The current problem is that these decisions become overly resource-driven. He does not see a mechanism that would balance political decisions.
Oidsalu stated that the funding pool includes both private and municipal theaters. This has been criticized before because things seem confusing. In his opinion, the distribution of funds is not fair. The Minister of Culture is working on this issue. Five theaters, including Nuutrum, were left without support. Now they have to find funding themselves.
Oidsalu recalled that the previous system was criticized because decisions were made secretly. The current system is a step in the right direction, but something needs to be added to make it better.
Katrin Viirpalu said that Theatrum and elektron.art were left without funding. Oidsalu noted that over 90% of funding goes to state foundations. Private theaters operate more efficiently, and their funding could be increased. Perhaps some state foundations should even be closed.
Oidsalu added that the Ministry of Culture is in a difficult position because they have an audience that fights for them. He wants to change the system to make it fair. He feels sorry for theaters that do not make noise.
Oidsalu suggested that theaters like elektron.art and Theatrum, which received funding, could receive the same support next year until the system is improved.