Criteria for the optimal financing model of public theatres

Abstract

The research is part of a wider research problem, whose aim is to find an optimal financing model for cultural institutions in Poland. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the performance indicators of municipal and regional theatres in the context of accessibility to cultural public services. The study forms a verification of previously distinguished indicators of the effectiveness of cultural institutions with a general direction: how to find an optimal financing model of public dramatic theatres. The current research problem is the accessibility of public dramatic theatres in the absence of criteria for the allocation of statutory subsidies. We hypothesise that the absence of criteria for the allocation of statutory subsidies highly diversifies the accessibility of performing arts organisations. The object of study is public dramatic theatres in Poland in the period 2011–2015. We investigated the indicators having an impact on the level of accessibility of public theatres. The statistical methods used allowed us to identify criteria affecting availability. These criteria are recognized in the literature. In addition, we indicate the level of diversification of accessibility by individual public theatres.

Productivity of Public Theatres in the Times of COVID-19: The Example of Polish Theatres

“…In an artistic institution whose budget before the pandemic was approx. 40 % (Gałecka and Smolny, 2017) based on the institution's resources, it is not currently possible to carry on activities of the existing scale and formula without receiving financial support from the State (Thorsby, 2010;Gałecka and Smolny, 2019). Especially in large theaters that offer performances incurring the high cost of presentation, the revenue generated by these institutions from ticket sales covers operating costs and finance the production of new artistic events and is often also a part of fixed costs.…”

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local government cultural institutions – the productivity of theatres

“…In an artistic institution whose budget before the pandemic was approx. 40% (Gałecka and Smolny, 2017) based on the institution's resources, it was not possible to carry out activities of the existing scale and formula without receiving fi nancial support from the state (Thorsby, 2010;Gałecka and Smolny, 2019). Especially in large theatres that off er performances incurring high costs of presentation, the revenue generated by these institutions from ticket sales covers the operating costs and fi nances the production of new artistic events and often is also a part of fi xed costs.…”

Application of Multi-Criteria Analysis on Theatres’ Efficiency – Czech and Polish Comparative Case Studies

“…Some examples include Badia and Borin (2012), Cai and Wang (2012), and Charles and Kim (2016). In terms of evaluation of interpretative art services (theatres), research by Bečica (2018), or Galecka and Smolny (2019) is available. Each of the above-mentioned theses come from an evaluation of non-profit organisations, usually in terms of value for money.…”