France Launches Pass Culture App Inspired by Italy's Flawed Bonus Cultura
France has introduced a beta version of the Pass Culture app, providing a cultural bonus of 500 euros for those turning 18, modeled after Italy's Bonus Cultura. Launched in 2016 for individuals born in 1998, the Italian initiative saw 360,000 out of 574,593 eligible young people register, yet by early 2017, only 6.3% of the allocated funds were utilized due to administrative challenges. Spending patterns revealed that 80.6% went to books, 8.9% to concerts, 7.2% to cinema, and a mere 0.3% to museums. Announced by President Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Françoise Nyssen, France's program has a total budget of €425 million, sourced from 80% private and 20% public funding. Beta testing is currently underway in four regions, with a complete rollout anticipated in early 2019. Critics, including former Culture Minister Jack Lang, have raised concerns regarding cultural engagement and expenditure.
Key facts
- France launches Pass Culture app for 18-year-olds with 500-euro credit.
- Italian Bonus Cultura for 1998-born saw 360,000 participants out of 574,593 eligible.
- Only 6.3% of Italian bonus funds spent by early 2017.
- Italian spending: 80.6% books, 8.9% concerts, 7.2% cinema, 0.3% museums.
- Pass Culture funding: 80% private, 20% state, total €425 million.
- Beta testing in Seine-Saint-Denis, Hérault, Bas-Rhin, French Guiana, and Finistère.
- Full launch of Pass Culture expected early 2019.
- Jack Lang criticizes the initiative, citing Italian failures and black market.
Entities
Institutions
- Ministero dei Beni e delle Attività Culturali
- Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri
- Mibact
- Mibac
- La Stampa
- Artribune
- Inter France
Locations
- Italy
- France
- Seine-Saint-Denis
- Hérault
- Bas-Rhin
- French Guiana
- Finistère