The German trade journal Börsenblatt reported on a conversation with Czech novelist Iva Procházková, during which she expressed deep concern for the future of cultural financing. The interview, published on 12 October 2026, focuses on the author’s view that democratic systems are now being challenged to maintain robust support for the arts.
Procházková’s remarks are underscored by a striking visual element: on the reverse side of a publication she carries a button emblazoned with the words “CULTURE IN DANGER.” The slogan serves as a concise summary of her message and a call to attention for policymakers and the public alike.
CULTURE IN DANGER
While the author does not provide detailed statistics, she points to a broader trend of shrinking public budgets for cultural projects across Central Europe. She argues that such reductions risk eroding the pluralistic foundations that allow literature, theatre, and visual arts to thrive in open societies.
Procházková’s interview arrives at a moment when several European governments are reassessing cultural subsidies amid fiscal pressures. She urges stakeholders to recognise that the health of the cultural sector is intertwined with democratic resilience, and that neglecting it could have long‑term consequences for civic engagement and social cohesion.