Cultural policy
A vibrant and sustainable cultural life
Status
Culture is a central part of Odense's identity and contributes significantly to both the city's economy and community.
We have a strong cultural heritage, but there is a need to harness the potential that lies within the city's diversity and creativity.
Associations and cultural offerings build networks and bring quality of life, but we also face challenges when it comes to creating better synergy between the many actors and improving conditions for new projects.
At the same time, there is a need to develop infrastructural frameworks for both grassroots and elite sports.
Needs and challenges
- We will work towards a comprehensive elite sports strategy: Odense lags behind compared to other Danish cities when it comes to a comprehensive vision for elite sports.
- Accessibility: Culture must be accessible to as many citizens as possible.
- Support for startup cultural projects: We will work for a more flexible and open system of support and resources for young talents and entrepreneurs in the cultural field, with a focus on achieving financial sustainability.
- Infrastructure and facilities Odense needs an upgrade of its cultural and sports facilities, including the creation of new opportunities for both associations and private initiatives.
Summary
To ensure a vibrant and sustainable cultural life in Odense, the municipality must be an active partner, supporting both established associations and start-up initiatives. We want to create better conditions for cultural life by thinking innovatively and future-proof, where both physical infrastructure and digital solutions play a role. Cultural and sports life must have equal opportunities to flourish, and there must be room for everyone - including citizens with special needs.
Political proposals for the cultural sector
- Digitalization of cultural dissemination for increased accessibility, inclusion, and innovation. A digital platform that consolidates all cultural activities and offerings in Odense – from theatre and music to local events. In collaboration with private partners, the platform will also feature live streaming of major events, making culture accessible to more people. The digitalization of cultural dissemination has gained increased attention alongside technological developments and the new ways in which citizens access and experience culture.
- Strengthening grassroots and elite sports Odense lacks sports hall capacity, and we want to invest capital funds in 3–5 new halls as well as better facilities for community sports clubs in general, within an election period leading up to 2030.
- Public-private partnerships for facilities To future-proof Odense’s sports and cultural facilities, we must reassess the collaboration between public and private actors. We want to promote private investment in the construction and improvement of sports halls, art centres, and recreational facilities.
- Inclusion of citizens with disabilities The cultural policy of the future must ensure that the inclusion of citizens with physical and mental disabilities is positively weighted in the allocation of cultural funding. We must develop offerings and activities that ensure everyone can participate in Odense’s cultural life on equal terms.
- Yes to major cultural events Liberal Alliance supports an active cultural life, including concerts that attract both large and small audiences. This contributes to a vibrant city. This applies to spaces such as Tusindårsskoven, Dyrskuepladsen, and other central areas that host cultural events.
- Association grants with up-to-date price indexation Our associations are under financial pressure; therefore, municipal grants must keep pace with societal developments and price trends to ensure the support maintains its real value for the benefit of health and well-being. Community sports and cultural clubs have a preventive effect that benefits our society and social cohesion.