So, seen any good theatre shows lately? A new bill proposed to the Knesset by MK Limor Livant means all Israeli students (grades 1-12) would have to do just that. Livnat’s bill would require all primary and high school students to attend three separate “cultural events” annually, including one obligatory trip to a museum.
A “cultural event”, as defined by this bill, is any culturally relevant theatre show, musical performance, or dance recital. A committee established by the minister of education will convene annually to compose a “cultural basket”, or list of cultural events and museums that students can choose to attend.
As for funding, the state will subsidize half the cost of attendance at these events, and local municipalities will chip in as well, but students’ parents will have to foot the remainder of the bill
through school fees.
Justifying her proposed bill, Livant writes: “The arts and culture are an indispensable part of the educational process, helping to mold and inspire the citizens of tomorrow. Unfortunately, the Israeli educational system has done little as of late to invest in the arts, seriously compromising the future of art and culture in the state.”
Livnat furthermore told Ynet that: “Currently we do not have a legally mandated 'cultural basket', which is a crying shame. Many students, especially those living in the periphery consequently do not have many opportunities to attend meaningful cultural events. This bill will also allow the various cultural establishments in Israel to benefit from increased attendance,” explained Livnat.
The former education minister told Ynet that she had tried to expand the state funded “basket of cultural events” during her time in office. She now, however, has come to the conclusion that “attendance at cultural events must be legislatively mandated, so that all students will attend such events, and so that they can be partially subsidized by the government.”
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