Luxembourg Cultural Policies

On July 23, 2020, the Luxembourg government approved the creation of kultur:lx, a nonprofit aimed at promoting Luxembourg’s cultural sector. Established by eleven founding members from cultural sectors and state representatives, this organization centralizes efforts to support and enhance the visibility of Luxembourgish culture both domestically and internationally. kultur:lx will unify initiatives previously managed by groups like music:lx and Reading Luxembourg, aiming to make cultural support more transparent, professional, and organized. Its tasks include supporting international tours, exhibitions, literary translations, and theater, along with participation in major global cultural events. The organization will foster cultural exchange programs and artist residencies, focusing on career development in collaboration with local cultural institutions. New measures include support for creative industries and long-term grants, while also prioritizing diversity, talent discovery, and openness to varied cultural approaches. (UNESCO)

Culturelink breakdown:

• Population and Language

• Luxembourg has a population of about 415,870 (as of 1997), with nearly 25% being foreign nationals.

• Official language: Luxembourgish (since 1985), a German-Moselle-Frankish dialect.

• French is used for administrative purposes, while German is used for commerce and the press.

• High Standard of Living

• Luxembourg has one of the highest standards of living in Europe.

• Cultural Policy and Administration

• Ministry of Cultural Affairs (under the Prime Minister) leads cultural policy, focusing on:

• Cultural heritage

• Audiovisual sector

• Literature, theater, cabaret, music, dance, and visual arts

• Coordinates activities across national institutions, including:

• State museums

• National Library

• National Archives

• Monument Protection Agency

• Centre National de l’Audiovisuel

• Decentralization and Regional Cultural Support

• The Ministry has set up regional centers to support local cultural initiatives.

• Operates two mobile libraries for northern and southern Luxembourg.

• Additional Administrative Bodies

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Manages international cultural relations.

• Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth Affairs: Support cultural initiatives.

• Luxembourg Scientific Research Council: Involved in cultural cooperation.

• Advisory Bodies:

• National Cultural Council (established in 1980): 50 members representing ministries and cultural organizations.

• Council for National Sites and Monuments: Preserves architectural and cultural heritage.

• Grand-Ducal Institute: Focuses on arts, literature, language, folklore, and science.

• National Cultural Fund (established in 1982): Manages grants and donations for cultural institutions.

• Main Cultural Institutions and Foundations

• Museums: Musée National d’Histoire et d’Art, Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle.

• Libraries: National Library, Centre national de littérature.

• Archives: Service des Sites et Monuments nationaux.

• Foundations:

• Fonds Culturel National: Promotes arts and sciences.

• Fonds National de Soutien à la Promotion Audiovisuelle: Supports film and audiovisual production.

• Fondation Servais pour la Littérature luxembourgeoise: Focuses on Luxembourgish literature.

• Music Education: Conservatoire de Musique de la Ville de Luxembourg, Institut européen de chant choral.

• Hosts cultural festivals, such as the Festival international d’Echternach and the Festival de Wiltz.

• S.A.C.E.M.: Manages authors’ rights in music and literature.

• Cultural Policy Instruments

• Funding: Primarily public, supplemented by sponsorship.

• Cultural budget allocations include:

• General expenditure (28%)

• National Museum of History and the Arts (17.6%)

• National Library (17.2%)

• Monument Protection Agency (14.5%)

• Museum of History (12.1%)

• National Archives (7.0%)

• National Audio-Visual Centre (4.0%)

• Awards and Grants: Ministry of Cultural Affairs provides awards and project subsidies for artists and associations.

• Cultural Legislation

• Recognizes self-employed artists as professionals, providing social protection, direct grants, and public commissions.

• Cultural leave law: Allows one year of paid leave for high-ranking artists and cultural experts.

• Media Policy and Cultural Industries

• Broadcasting: Privately driven; RTL and SES/ASTRA (satellite) are key players.

• Book Publishing and Press: Professional organizations include the Association des journalistes and Union des journalistes.

• Cinema and Film: The National Audio-Visual Centre supports film and audiovisual arts.

• International Cultural Cooperation

• Strong focus on international partnerships, especially with neighboring regions in France, Belgium, and Germany.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees international cultural relations, supporting exchanges, scholarships, and cultural projects.

• Bilateral cultural agreements with 15 countries.

• Membership in international bodies such as UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the European Community.