National Art Gallery in dire need of funding

The National Art Gallery management has called on the Finance Committee to increase funding for the daily running of the gallery.

The annual running costs for the Tórshavn gallery is DKK 2.3 million, which is just enough to cover two salaries: the manager and an art specialist.

An accountant has been affiliated with the gallery on a part-time basis, but this position has now been terminated due to lacking funds.

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According to the appeal, signed by the manager and the art specialist, a further DKK 6.6. million is needed to cover the daily running of the gallery.

The management proposes that road authority Landsverk takes over the maintenance work of the buildings, as most of the current funding is spent on maintaining the worn-down buildings.

All work at the gallery is covered by the two staff members. They wash toilets, sell tickets, manage sales of artworks and everything else associated with the daily running of an institution.

The requested DKK 6.6m will be spent on hiring an accountant, a receptionist, an archivist, creating educational facilities and making a new sound system.

DKK 33m needed for repairs

A recent situation report revealed that a further DKK 33 million is needed for maintenance and repair work of the buildings.

The government has until Friday to finalise the details of the national budget 2020.

“Securing funds to fix the leaking roof at the National Art Gallery is currently our top priority,” says culture minister Jenis av Rana. “We will look at the rest in due course.”

Translated by prosa.fo