Culture and Sports Minister Miquel Iceta spoke about a cultural bonus for young people that would be paid in cash after the summer, describing it as a practical way to empower youth to engage with cultural activities. He noted that the process of assigning companies to participate in the proposal had been completed, marking a key milestone in the initiative and signaling the start of broader engagement with the private sector.
Iceta explained that before the summer a nationwide invitation would be issued to encourage companies to join the program. The minister stressed that the initiative should become effective quickly, with many companies able to participate and provide diverse opportunities once the call goes out. He acknowledged that there are administrative steps involved, and those steps come with their own set of guarantees, timelines, and checks. The goal, he added, is to ensure a smooth implementation that benefits young people across the country while maintaining solid oversight of the process. These remarks were offered during the Goethe-Institut Spain’s participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair, where the minister spoke about culture, education, and opportunities for the younger generation.
Iceta highlighted that although this is the first time the government is launching the program, the initial responses have been positive. He pointed to the application process as a critical phase and emphasized that preparations are underway to ensure everything is in place before Eid al-Adha, which will be celebrated later in the year. He also noted that the Frankfurt Book Fair would coincide with the official rollout window, with plans for the initiative to be accessible to young people in 2022 and to run for a full year for those who opt to participate. The minister’s comments underscored a broader strategy to connect cultural experiences with financial support, encouraging youth to explore museums, libraries, and cultural events as part of their personal and educational development.
The discussion also touched on workforce gaps in state museums. Iceta addressed questions about staffing shortages, acknowledging the urgency of the issue and outlining his commitment to a timely solution. He described the recent summer period as challenging due to the reduced staffing and heavy demand from visitors. The government aims to keep museums open more days and extend hours, enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike. He reassured audiences that the problem would be tackled this year and that there would be a marked improvement in museum operations and outreach as a result of targeted recruitment and scheduling strategies.
Iceta further explained that the ministry is actively pursuing a comprehensive approach to the labor market within the cultural sector. This includes addressing the difficulty of quickly replacing workers who have left and ensuring a steady integration of new personnel into public institutions. He spoke about ongoing efforts to strengthen the pipeline for cultural workers, improve retention, and align staffing with anticipated visitor demand. He emphasized that a robust, responsive public culture system benefits communities, supports lifelong learning, and enhances the nation’s cultural capital. By focusing on both immediate fixes for staffing and long-term workforce development, the ministry aims to sustain a vibrant cultural landscape that can adapt to changing needs and opportunities.