MPs on Tuesday overrode President Zuzana Caputova's veto and re-approved an amendment to the law on the Slovak Arts Council (FPU).
In line with new rules, the provision of money from FPU will be decided by the fund's council. When making decisions, the council will take into account the opinion of an expert commission, which will be the council's advisory body, however, the opinion will not be binding for the council.
The number of council members will increase from nine to 13. Seven will be appointed directly by the culture minister, while one will be appointed by the minister based on a proposal from mayors of towns and villages and regional governors. The principle of appointing the remaining council members remains unchanged from the current law.
The scope of purposes for which the fund provides money will also be extended to include support for the restoration, modernisation and infrastructure of cultural facilities and support for traditional folk culture.
The contribution from the state budget to the fund will increase, as will the share of the fund's income for the fund's own operation. The share of the state contribution, which can be used for the priorities set by the Culture Ministry, will go up as well.
The amendment will take effect as of June 1.
(TASR)
