The Canton of Valais Strengthens Music Education
In September, a partial revision of the Valais Cultural Promotion Act will take effect. Music schools will receive greater support, and the costs of music education for parents will be capped.
One of the most significant changes concerns education in the fields of music and the performing arts (theater, dance, and circus arts). Starting with the 2026–2027 school year, the cantonal contribution toward the tuition costs of accredited schools will be increased from 40 to 50 percent. From now on, municipalities must contribute at least 10 percent, while the Valais delegation’s share of the Loterie Romande remains at 7 percent.
In the future, the portion of the cost to be covered by parents will be capped at 33 percent throughout the canton, regardless of the families’ municipality of residence. For approximately 4,500 students, the annual cost of their music education will be capped at just over 1,000 francs. The canton states that this new model promotes more equitable access to arts education.
The new law is also intended to strengthen the framework conditions for cultural professions. For projects supported by cultural funding, cultural professionals will henceforth be compensated based on the wage recommendations of umbrella organizations recognized by the canton. Economic, social, and environmental sustainability will also be taken into account within the legal framework from now on.
Original article:
https://www.vs.ch/de/web/communication/e/com-et-media/10108/49977144
