In December 2024, the cultural world received yet another harsh wake-up call. In France, the government announced a €200 million cut to its cultural budget, with similar trends playing out across Europe. Institutions, festivals, and artists alike are facing an urgent question: how can digital art survive in an increasingly unstable funding landscape?
This was the starting point for our recent discussion, Follow the Money: Culture in Search of Profitability, a conversation exploring business models for digital art. Featuring experts and artists from across Europe, the talk examined the often-taboo topic of profitability in the cultural sector.
Public subsidies have long been the backbone of cultural initiatives in Europe. However, as these resources become more uncertain, organizations must turn to new strategies. The panel explored alternative funding models, from private sponsorships and crowdfunding to hybrid revenue streams.
But is seeking profitability a betrayal of artistic values? Many in the cultural world fear that financial imperatives might compromise artistic freedom. The conversation challenged this assumption, asking whether a well-designed business model could actually empower artists and organizations by reducing their dependence on precarious public funding.
Among the panelists were AC Coppens (The Catalysts), Mario Kunovski (Signal Festival), Chloé Rutzerveld (artist), and Elodie Le Breut (AMI). Together, they shared insights from their own experiences, discussing case studies and experimental initiatives from across Europe.
One key takeaway? There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every organization, artist, and festival must tailor its approach to its audience, goals, and resources. The shift toward financial resilience requires experimentation, openness to new partnerships, and a balance between economic viability and artistic integrity.
The conversation is now available to watch online in English and French. If you’re an artist, curator, or cultural professional navigating these challenges, we invite you to join the debate.
The podcast is also available in French on Radio Grenouille’s website