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Last update 05.12.2023
A subsidy is an optional contribution, granted in furtherance of a general interest – that is, which adds value to the culture offerings available to the public. It is a small, local contribution which does not hinder competition in the EU.
The Ministry of Culture (ministère de la Culture) grants subsidies for one or more projects undertaken in Luxembourg within a calendar year.
Such subsidies are intended for groups that are legally organised as a non-profit association (ASBL), a foundation or a societal impact company (SIS – société d'impact sociétal), operating in the areas of:
The project owner must ensure that both they and their project meet the eligibility criteria before filling in the form and submitting the application.
The subsidy is intended for ASBLs, foundations and SISs that are registered and active in Luxembourg.
Private individuals must file an application for a subsidy for individuals carrying out cultural projects.
Communal authorities must file an application for a subsidy for communes carrying out cultural projects.
The subsidy is not intended for:
Local or municipal orchestras, marching bands and choirs are only eligible for this subsidy under certain conditions, as listed under ‘Special subsidies’.
N.B.: Only the project owner can apply for a subsidy. Multiple applications may not be filed for the same project. The subsidy may not be paid to a third party, except in payment of their fees.
The Ministry of Culture will only provide financial support for projects which spotlight artistic creation.
The Ministry of Culture subsidy may be granted for the following projects (non-exhaustive list):
The Ministry of Culture will not award this subsidy for:
Any cultural association that is celebrating an important anniversary (25th, 50th, 75th, 100th, 125th, etc.) and which has been continuously active since its founding, may apply for an anniversary subsidy in the amount of EUR 1,500. This subsidy may be combined with subsidies for other projects.
Local or municipal orchestras, marching bands and choirs are only eligible for this subsidy in the following 3 circumstances:
The Subsidies Committee will assess each application on the merits, coherence and credibility of both the project and the project owner. In order to qualify for financial support from the Ministry of Culture, the project must meet a number of criteria in relation to quality, accessibility and viability.
In particular, the Committee will assess:
Particular attention is paid to the remuneration of the artists involved, and access to culture for all. The Ministry of Culture encourages the use of the Kulturpass, and lower prices for those in need, but also recognises that there is value in the creation: due justification should be provided for universal free access if a cultural event is to be supported by a subsidy.
N.B.: Cultural grounding implies a regular, significant and lasting cultural activity which has helped to forge links with the audience in Luxembourg, and a network comprising local and/or regional cultural players.
Complete subsidy applications (the form + all required supporting documents) must be submitted to the Ministry of Culture at least 2 months before the beginning of the project. Applications filed after that deadline may be denied. Applications filed after the project has been completed will not be considered.
For inclusion on the agenda of the next meeting of the Subsidies Committee, applications must be filed at most 5 working days before the date of the meeting. After that point, the application will automatically be added to the agenda of the committee's next meeting.
Complete applications that are filed within the required time frame will be forwarded automatically to the Subsidies Committee, which will rule on its eligibility.
The application for the subsidy must be filed:
It is important for applicants to choose the form that matches their category. Before filing the application, you should prepare the requisite supporting documents to be attached, in .jpg or .pdf format – namely:
You also have the option to attach any further documentation you deem helpful in assessing your application.
The duly completed and signed form, along with all the uploaded documents, will be forwarded to the Ministry of Culture.
Once the application has been received, the Ministry of Culture will send the applicant one of the following documents:
Any questions can be addressed to subsides@mc.etat.lu.
Only complete applications will be processed.
The Subsidies Committee – which comprises senior management staff and staff from the cultural and financial departments of the Ministry of Culture – will assess each application for a subsidy against the eligibility and assessment criteria concerning both the applicant and the project.
The members of the advisory body are: Vesna Andonovic, Nadine Erpelding, Josiane Geisler, Alix Glück, Joé Haas, Josée Hansen, Claudine Hemmer, Cédric Kayser, Nathalie Kerschen and Sophie Lammar.
Meeting dates for 2024:
The advisory body will issue an opinion on whether an application is eligible for a subsidy, and if necessary, on the amount to be granted. The applicant will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.
Meetings of the Subsidies Committee are not open to the public. Committee members are bound by strict confidentiality rules in relation to the processing of applications.
The committee members undertake to examine the files and assess each application with impartiality and integrity.
The subsidy is granted in the form of a direct payment of financial aid to the beneficiary, as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the project, a performance guarantee may be granted.
The financial support granted by the Ministry of Culture takes account of the scope of the project and the expenses required for its implementation, but usually will not exceed 60 % of the total cost of the project. However, in exceptional cases, when justified by the nature or scope of the project, the committee reserves the right to exceed that threshold. The applicant must contribute at least 5 % of the total amount.
The Ministry of Culture can grant these subsidies for projects which are already receiving another form of State aid.
In summary:
The amount of the subsidy that is granted will depend on the annual budget allocated to the Ministry for the provision of aid to cultural projects, and on the number of eligible applications.
Recipients of a subsidy are required to satisfy several conditions:
N.B.: If the project is cancelled, the applicant must inform the Ministry as soon as possible. In that case, the applicant may submit a new project within the same calendar year. If the applicant does not submit a new project, or if the Subsidies Committee declines to fund an alternative project, the applicant will be required to repay the whole amount of the subsidy received.
By submitting their application to the Ministry of Culture, the project owner undertakes to comply with the law, safety standards and the below-mentioned fundamental principles. Failure to comply with one or more of the following points may lead to the rejection of any of the applicant’s future financial aid applications.
The applicant undertakes to:
In addition, the Ministry of Culture asks that recipients of its subsidies:
Demande pour l'octroi d'un subside pour la réalisation de projets culturels