Israeli Cultural Coalition Demands Budget Increase from 0.15% to 1% Ahead of Elections

Ahead of Israel's 26th Knesset elections, over 10,000 creators, organizations, and institutions from across the cultural spectrum have united to form the Culture and Creation Coalition. This coalition includes representatives from theater, cinema, television, literature, dance, music, visual arts, and museums. Their primary demand is to increase the national culture budget from the current 0.15% of the state budget to 1%, emphasizing culture as a foundational national, social, and economic infrastructure rather than a marginal sector.

The coalition highlights the stark contrast between Israel's defense budget, which accounts for about a quarter of the state budget, and the culture budget, which is a fraction of a percent. They argue this underinvestment harms a sector with proven economic multiplier effects, fiscal returns, and export potential. The coalition calls for culture to be recognized as a social and civil right, with strengthened institutions, legal protections for artists, and professional, independent management of funding.

As part of their campaign, the coalition plans to meet with party leaders and distribute a detailed policy paper to all electoral lists, seeking commitments to their demands. Their policy proposals include phased budget growth to reach 1%, ensuring cultural accessibility for all children, reducing disparities between central and peripheral regions and communities, and boosting Israel's cultural presence internationally through collaborations and exports.

The coalition stresses that investing in culture is vital for national resilience, especially following years of COVID-19, conflict, and trauma. They note that during crises, Israelis turn to cultural expressions for strength and belonging. The coalition comprises numerous organizations such as the Israeli Artists Association, Hebrew Writers Association, Independent Theater and Performing Arts Creators, Museum Association, Screenwriters Union, and others.

Previously, cultural representatives engaged with the Culture and Sports Minister during the COVID-19 crisis and Operation Guardian of the Walls, resulting in emergency aid packages. Now, the coalition seeks a structural, long-term elevation of culture's status in Israel.