The Flemish Culture Minister Caroline Gennez (socialist) has announced the Flemish culture awards, the Ultimas, are to be axed as part of the Flemish Government’s efforts to save money and balance the budget. The announcement brings to an end more than 20 years of the Ultima awards.
The daily ‘De Standaard’ reports that scrapping the Ultimas will save the Flemish Government around 614,000 euro. The decision is part of a wider package of cuts that will reduce spending on culture by around 23 million euro. This is less than 5% of the just under half a billion euro that the Flemish Government spends on culture each year.
Ms Gennez concedes that the cuts are “significant”. “But we have tried to protect the artists, creative talent and those in the field as much we can.” The Flemish Culture Minister defended her decision by arguing that lavish ceremonies are no longer a priority. “In a context where we’re asking everyone to make an effort, expensive award shows and ceremonies aren’t a government priority.”
The Ultimas were awarded for the first time in 2003 and have since been awarded annually. The winners in each of the 12 categories receive both a physical award and a cash prize.