Association warns of cuts to museum training program - Thuringia's Museum Training Program Facing Closure, Sparking Political Concern
The Thuringian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport has proposed closing the funding program for museum training in the state. This move has sparked concern among political parties and museum associations, with the Left Party criticizing the austerity plans and the Thuringian Museums Association warning of significant cuts.
The program, which has seen 112 trainees participate across five cycles and currently has 20 enrolled, is set to receive around €528,000 this year. However, by 2027, funding will plummet to just €28,000, effectively ending the initiative. The program covers half of the trainees' personnel costs, with museums covering the rest.
Smaller, rural museums have particularly benefited from the program, as they often lack the resources to train specialists independently. Most graduates have secured positions in Thuringian museums or found employment elsewhere in the sector. The state government's draft budget includes these deep cuts, which could disproportionately affect smaller institutions.
The closure of the funding program for museum traineeships is set to impact the entire museum landscape in Thuringia. With the CDU, BSW, and SPD lacking a majority in the state parliament, they will need opposition votes to pass the two-year budget, potentially making the cuts a contentious issue.
