Vienna's Cultural Councilor Advocates for Cultural Tax from Tourists

Veronica Kaup-Hasler, the Cultural Councilor of Vienna, has recently highlighted her desire to implement a dedicated cultural tax for tourists, aimed at enhancing the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Kaup-Hasler has been actively involved in the political sphere since 2018, focusing on key cultural issues, but the political landscape shifted when a new cultural minister, Andreas Babler, was appointed, who lacks experience in the cultural sector.

Despite this change, Kaup-Hasler expresses her support for Babler, noting the importance of open communication and collaboration in the political realm. She emphasizes that while experience is valuable, the ability to listen and learn is equally crucial in effectively managing cultural affairs.

The upcoming municipal elections have prompted Kaup-Hasler to reflect on her achievements in office and to outline her vision for the future, which includes several key initiatives. These initiatives consist of establishing a center for children's culture, a new platform for young theater talent, promoting Vienna as a hub for digital humanism, and expanding spaces for artistic engagement and cultural interchange.

In a recent promotional campaign, the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) has emphasized that the focus is on Vienna, with Kaup-Hasler detailing four main points designed to enhance the cultural offerings in the city. She has also released a brochure outlining eight cultural anchor centers intended to serve as decentralized cultural providers across various districts, including locations like the Atelierhof Schlingermarkt in Floridsdorf and Bears in the Park in Simmering.

While acknowledging the rapid population growth in Vienna, Kaup-Hasler admits that current cultural offerings are insufficient to keep pace. She reassures the public that progress is being made, with ongoing work on the City Development Plan 2035 and the Culture Strategy 2030, which identifies key areas for future development.

Recent criticisms from cultural organizations regarding the lack of a timeline and financial plan for implementing the cultural strategy have been dismissed by Kaup-Hasler, who insists that the city is engaged in continuous dialogue with various stakeholders in the arts community. She cites recent initiatives, such as roundtable discussions with performance artists and workshops aimed at fostering cultural education.

Concerns have been raised about the potential cultural void that could arise from urban development projects in areas like the Nordwestbahnhof site, where significant cultural activities have previously taken place. Kaup-Hasler assures the community that the city is making substantial investments in the arts, aiming for a revitalization of these cultural spaces by 2027.

Additionally, Kaup-Hasler has addressed ongoing discussions about new entertainment venues, including a proposed musical theater in Prater. While she acknowledges that expansion in the musical sector is not a cultural priority, she recognizes the economic potential it has in positioning Vienna as a key player in the creative industry.

In light of Vienna's booming tourism sector, Kaup-Hasler argues that the introduction of a cultural tax could directly benefit the city's cultural institutions by capturing a portion of the revenue generated from increased visitor numbers. She draws parallels with cultural policy shifts in neighboring countries and emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to maintain Vienna's status as a cultural destination.

As Vienna prepares for the relocation of the Music and Arts University to the Otto-Wagner-Areal by 2031, Kaup-Hasler envisions this site becoming a central hub for cultural activity, attracting artists and fostering collaboration across disciplines.

While acknowledging the challenges posed by budget constraints, Kaup-Hasler remains optimistic about the future of Vienna's cultural scene. She emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and synergy in navigating financial limitations while continuing to advocate for the arts.

Lastly, Kaup-Hasler has expressed her stance against the need for a specific cultural funding law in Vienna, asserting that the existing structures are already effective and do not require additional legislation.