Summary
Moldovan government paid in 2015 over 352 million MDL ($19.5 million) to the accounts of the Ministry of Culture - a 19% increase compared to last year. However, the share of culture spending in the National Budget is declining, from 1% last year to 0.8%.
Along with the increase of the Ministry’s budget, the expected number of tours and performances rose to 2475 shows, while the estimated number of spectators served by Concert and Theatre institutions – to 557,000. However, the growth rate of these indicators is not proportional with the percentage increase in budget.
In terms of strengths, we will also mention the considerable increase of available funds for the protection of national and cultural heritage, in addition to the significant contribution of the Romanian Government towards the restoration of three landmark cultural institutions.
The main problems in the sector relate to poor management of Concert and Theatre institutions, whereas "cumbersome" infrastructure produces more spending. Furthermore, there is no efficient financing mechanism that can generate competition. Also, while safeguarding cultural heritage is one of the Minister’s development priorities, the mechanism is not able to develop public-private partnerships that will ensure the functionality cultural buildings.