As part of the "Sustainability 25" project, Risør Municipality has proposed cuts in annual subsidies to external actors, including festivals and other cultural institutions. In total, cuts in subsidies of almost NOK 3.2 million are being considered. Among those most affected are the three major festivals in Risør, which together receive almost one million NOK in support, the aquarium, which receives NOK 400,000, and Risør City, which receives NOK 750,000.

According to Festival Director Eirik Raude, the cuts could lead to a significant reduction in festival activities. He points out that the support from Risør Municipality is an important piece in a larger funding picture that includes funds from Agder County Council and the Culture Fund. If the municipality's support is reduced, this could trigger corresponding cuts from the county council and the Culture Fund, which could result in a total reduction of around one million kroner for the Risør Chamber Music Festival.

Eirik Raude explains that the support principle is based on public agencies making such efforts together. The Culture Fund prioritizes festivals that can demonstrate significant funding from their own region, and the size of the support from the Culture Fund is related to the funding from their own region. Agder County Municipality and Risør Municipality have an agreement to support the festival with an equal amount. If the support from the municipality is cut, the support from Agder will most likely be cut by a similar amount, which in turn will lead to a corresponding reduction in the support from the Culture Fund.

Former mayor and current board member of the chamber music festival, Per Kr. Lunden, however, believes that politicians will not advocate such cuts. He expresses optimism and belief that the festivals' importance to the local community and the region will be recognized, and that the necessary subsidies will be maintained.

A 2019 analysis, funded by the Risør Chamber Music Festival, shows that the festival and its visitors contribute around 5.8 million kroner annually to the local economy, adjusted to today's prices. This illustrates the festival's important role as an economic engine for Risør and the surrounding areas.

The culture of Risør is a cornerstone of the city's identity and attractiveness. The festivals attract visitors from all over the country and internationally, which contributes to both cultural richness and economic growth. Cutting subsidies will not only weaken the capacity of the festivals, but also reduce the city's attractiveness and economic viability.

For Risør City and other recipients of municipal grants, the future is uncertain. Risør City, which receives the largest grant of NOK 750,000, is particularly dependent on the municipality's support to maintain its work with urban development and business support.

As the municipality considers these cuts, it is important to keep in mind the long-term consequences. Reduced support for cultural events could lead to a loss of both direct and indirect financial income, as well as weakening the city's cultural profile.

There is no doubt that the cuts proposed in the "Sustainability 25" project could have major consequences for the festivals and culture in Risør. While some hope that politicians will see the importance of maintaining the subsidies, there is great concern among those who work closely with cultural life. It is now up to the municipality to weigh the financial considerations against the cultural and economic benefits that the festivals and other grant recipients bring to Risør