In Avignon, performing arts unions mobilize against cuts in subsidies

Several trade union organizations are calling for a “moratorium on budget cuts” weighing on the live performance, calling on the sector to “mobilize” until the start of the school year, on the sidelines of the Avignon Festival.

This demand from organizations, including the CGT Spectacle, the National Union of Artistic and Cultural Enterprises (Syndeac) or the National Union of Performing Arts (Syynavi), comes as 28 performing arts structures, including many operas and orchestras, published a letter on Friday to President Emmanuel Macron in which they were concerned about the cancellation of grants planned for the second half of 2026.

A “critical threshold” reached

The Ministry of Culture indicated on Saturday that they would be paid in part from this week but that 10% of the amount was in budgetary negotiations with Bercy.

According to Joris Mathieu, co-president of Syndeac (the first union in the performing arts), a “critical threshold” was achieved in the sector. “Today, there is absolutely no room for adaptation. We are seeing an acceleration in the collapse of our ecosystem with a collapse in the number of performances, places which today risk not being able to open their doors or close for six months with layoff plans looming. »

“We have been denouncing budget cuts for several months, even years. (by the State or local authorities, Editor’s note)which for us are political choices, which seriously endanger the ecosystem that we represent”added Maxime Séchaud, deputy general secretary of the CGT Spectacle.

Notice of strike

The inter-union demanded “a moratorium” on these budget cuts, but also that the State budget allocated to Culture represents 1% of the total budget (it is today at 0.7% according to the organizations).

A general assembly is planned for Wednesday morning in Avignon and a gathering for Thursday. “We will continue to build mobilization for the start of the school year. Strike notices will be filed and we will consider all possible means of action to be able to put pressure on this government”announced Maxime Séchaud.